What makes Tropicana Las Vegas a legendary landmark on the Strip?
Tropicana Las Vegas, which opened on April 4, 1957, has been a symbol of luxury and entertainment for nearly seven decades. Known for its tropical South Beach theme, it earned the nickname "The Tiffany of the Strip." With a rich history that includes mob connections, iconic shows like Folies Bergère, and appearances by legends such as Frank Sinatra and Siegfried & Roy, Tropicana has left an indelible mark on Las Vegas. Despite closing its doors on April 2, 2024, its legacy will live on, with pieces preserved at the Neon Museum.
Key Takeaways:
- The Tropicana Las Vegas, a luxurious landmark, opened in 1957 with a tropical theme, jazz performances, and mob connections. Despite its closure, its legacy lives on in Las Vegas history.
- The Tropicana Las Vegas, known for its iconic shows and entertainment, closed its doors in 2024. Its rich history and cultural impact will be preserved at the Neon Museum, ensuring its legacy endures.
The Birth of Tropicana Las Vegas
The Tropicana Las Vegas has been a staple on the Las Vegas Strip for nearly seven decades. Let's dive into its fascinating history and evolution.
- Opening Date: The Tropicana Las Vegas opened its doors on April 4, 1957, marking the beginning of a new era in Las Vegas luxury.
- Original Cost: Developed at a cost of $15 million, it was the most expensive resort in Las Vegas at the time.
- Architect: Designed by M. Tony Sherman, the architecture reflected the tropical and South Beach theme that would become its signature.
- Location: Situated in Paradise, Nevada, it occupies 35 acres at the southeast corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.
- Theme: Known as "The Tiffany of the Strip," the resort's tropical and South Beach theme set it apart from other hotels.
Early Expansions and Developments
The Tropicana didn't stay static for long. It quickly expanded to accommodate more guests and offer more amenities.
- Original Rooms: Initially, the resort had 300 rooms in two low-rise structures shaped like a "Y".
- First Expansion: In 1959, a three-story wing with 150 rooms was added, designed by Homer Rissman.
- Second Expansion: Another wing was extended in 1962, and a four-story addition with 132 rooms was added in 1964, also by Rissman.
- Tiffany Tower: Opened in 1979, this tower added 600 rooms and was later renamed the Paradise Tower in 1986.
- Island Tower: Opened in 1986, this tower added 806 rooms and was later renamed the Club Tower.
Casino and Entertainment
The Tropicana has always been about more than just a place to stay. Its casino and entertainment offerings have been a major draw.
- Casino Size: The casino floor measures 44,570 square feet, providing ample space for gaming.
- Gaming Space: With a total gaming space of 44,570 square feet, it has been a significant player in Las Vegas gaming.
- Permanent Shows: Hosted several permanent shows, including Folies Bergère, Laugh Factory, and Purple Reign.
- Folies Bergère: This topless showgirl revue debuted in 1959 and ran for nearly 50 years, becoming the longest-running show in Las Vegas history.
- Live Entertainment: Featured acts like Eddie Fisher, Jayne Mansfield, and Siegfried & Roy, making it a hub for live entertainment.
Jazz and Mob Connections
The Tropicana has a rich history that includes jazz performances and mob connections.
- Jazz Performances: The Blue Room lounge, opened in 1965, hosted notable jazz performances by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Erroll Garner, and Benny Goodman.
- Mob Connections: Early investors included notorious mobster Frank Costello, tying the resort to organized crime.
- Corruption Issues: Casino operations were initially corrupt, with ties to the New York and New Orleans crime families.
- J. Kell Houssels: Gaming historian David Schwartz notes that J. Kell Houssels was hired to operate the Tropicana and clear out the mob connections.
- Houssels Family: The Houssels family, including Cal Jr., managed the Tropicana until the late 1960s.
Ownership Changes and Renovations
The Tropicana has seen several ownership changes and renovations over the years, each bringing new life to the resort.
- Ramada Inn Takeover: The hotel chain Ramada Inn took over in the 1980s, a major step toward cleaning out organized crime.
- Ownership Shifts: Acquired by Aztar Corporation in the late 1980s, undergoing extensive renovations totaling $200 million.
- Renovations: Continued to undergo renovations, including a $180 million renovation after being acquired by Onex Corporation and Goldman Sachs in 2009-2011.
- New Era Entertainment: Introduced new entertainment options, including Wayne Newton's show Once Before I Go and Gladys Knight's residency.
- Penn National Gaming: Acquired by Penn National Gaming in 2015 for $360 million, ushering in a new era with shows like Purple Reign.
Final Years and Legacy
As the Tropicana approaches its final days, its legacy remains strong.
- Bally’s Corporation: In September 2022, Bally’s Corporation acquired the Tropicana, marking a new chapter in its history.
- Final Closure: Officially closed its doors on April 2, 2024, after 67 years of operation, making way for a Major League Baseball stadium.
- Demolition Plans: Scheduled for demolition in October 2024, with pieces expected to be preserved at the Neon Museum.
- Legacy: Despite its closure, the Tropicana's legacy will live on as one of Sin City's most iconic landmarks.
- Historic Significance: Hosted Hollywood legends, jazz greats, and glamorous showgirls, earning it a place in Las Vegas history.
Iconic Moments and Cultural Impact
The Tropicana has had its share of iconic moments and cultural impact, making it a memorable part of Las Vegas.
- Mob Attraction: Beyond its glitz, the Tropicana had its share of intrigue, with mob connections continuing to be a popular topic.
- Quiet Years: Experienced quieter periods amid the rise of mega resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Iconic Landmark: Remained a familiar landmark in a city known for constant reinvention.
- Grand Opening Debut: Made its grand opening debut on April 4, 1957, surrounded by wide open desert.
- Luxurious Features: Boasted luxurious features, including a half-moon pool decorated with lush landscaping and towering palm trees.
- Mosaic Tiles: The interior was adorned with mosaic tiles, adding to its opulent design.
- White and Red Palace: Described as a white and red palace, reflecting its South Beach-inspired architecture.
- Early Acts: Some of the earliest acts included singer Eddie Fisher, who was a regular performer with his first wife, Debbie Reynolds.
- Striptease Revue: Hosted a striptease revue starring actress Jayne Mansfield, adding to its glamorous reputation.
- James Bond Connection: Gained international recognition when Sean Connery, as James Bond, checked into a suite in Diamonds Are Forever.
Entertainment and Shows
The Tropicana has been home to a variety of shows and performances, making it a key player in Las Vegas entertainment.
- Rat Pack Era: Thrived during the Rat Pack era, when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. ruled The Strip.
- Siegfried & Roy’s Magic Debut: Siegfried & Roy made one of their first Las Vegas appearances at the Tropicana in 1967.
- Cherry Boom Boom and Raiding the Rock Vault: Hosted various shows, including Cherry Boom Boom and Raiding the Rock Vault.
- Imaginarium: Another notable show that called the Tropicana home was Imaginarium.
- Mamma Mia: The popular musical Mamma Mia! closed up after three months, despite running successfully for six years at Mandalay Bay.
Preserving the Legacy
Even as the Tropicana prepares for demolition, efforts are being made to preserve its legacy.
- Legacy Preservation: Despite its physical demolition, the memories and stories of the Tropicana will live on.
- Neon Museum: Pieces of the hotel are expected to be preserved at the Neon Museum for photo ops and social media posts.
- Historic Significance: The Tropicana was a significant part of Las Vegas history, hosting Hollywood legends, jazz greats, and glamorous showgirls.
- Mob Attraction: Beyond its glitz and glam, the Tropicana had its share of intrigue, with its mob connections continuing to be a popular topic of interest.
- Quiet Years: While the Tropicana shone brightly during earlier times, it experienced quieter periods amid the rise of mega resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.
Tropicana Las Vegas: A Legacy Remembered
Tropicana Las Vegas, with its rich history and iconic status, has left an indelible mark on the Strip. From its grand opening in 1957 to its final closure in 2024, this resort witnessed the evolution of Las Vegas. Hosting legendary acts like Eddie Fisher and Siegfried & Roy, it became a hub for entertainment. Despite its mob connections and corruption issues, the Tropicana managed to clean up its act and thrive under various ownerships. Its luxurious features, like the half-moon pool and mosaic tiles, added to its charm. Though the Tropicana is set for demolition, its legacy will live on through memories and preserved pieces at the Neon Museum. The Tropicana's story is a testament to the glitz, glamour, and ever-changing nature of Las Vegas.
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