Clark County has green-lighted a demolition permit for the iconic Tropicana Hotel, paving the way for its planned implosion this fall. Owned by Bally’s Corporation, the Rat Pack-era hotel is set to be demolished to clear space for new developments, including a state-of-the-art ballpark for the Oakland Athletics.
A New Chapter Begins
Filed on April 11 and approved by April 20, the demolition permit details a $15 million project with Bally’s having until October 20 to execute the implosion, pending the payment of over $48,000 in associated fees. The demolition is a precursor to the construction of a $1.5 billion, 33,000-seat ballpark, marking a significant transformation of the famous site.
Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim expressed the company’s preparedness for a potential September or October implosion, contingent on securing necessary permits by the demolition contractor, GGG Demolition Inc. “We have certain preconditions we are working on. The demolition will proceed as planned,” Kim communicated via email.
Funding and Future Plans
While Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. owns the land, Bally’s owns the building and manages the lease. They have committed $175 million towards the demolition and construction costs, covering the $15 million demolition expenses. After the Tropicana’s closure on April 2, just shy of its 67th anniversary, preparations for the demolition began.
Next Steps and Legacy Items
As part of the transition, International Content Liquidations has been handling the sale of items from the hotel’s 1,800 rooms and various facilities, including the resort’s pool and conference center. These sales are currently by appointment, with a public sale anticipated later.
Looking Ahead to the Ballpark and Beyond
Construction for the Athletics’ new ballpark is slated to begin in April 2025, following various approvals by the Las Vegas Stadium Authority, including community benefits and lease agreements. The authority’s next meeting on May 16 may further outline the project’s progress.
As the Athletics prepare to relocate, they will temporarily play in Sacramento from 2025 to 2027, aiming to debut in their new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028. This significant shift not only marks the end of Tropicana’s historic run but also heralds new economic and recreational opportunities for Las Vegas.
