In a surprising turn of events, the long-awaited demolition of the historic Tropicana Las Vegas casino is moving ahead as planned, according to Bally’s Corporation CEO George Papanier. The announcement comes after months of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the fate of the aging property, which has been a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip for over 60 years.
In a statement released to the press on Monday, Papanier confirmed that Bally’s Corporation, which recently acquired the Tropicana as part of a $308 million deal, has decided to move forward with the demolition of the iconic property. The decision comes as part of Bally’s ambitious plans to revitalize the aging casino and transform it into a modern, state-of-the-art resort destination.
“We are excited to announce that the demolition of the Tropicana Las Vegas is officially moving ahead as planned,” Papanier said. “This decision represents a significant step forward in our efforts to revitalize the property and create an exciting new destination for visitors to the Las Vegas Strip.”
The Tropicana, which first opened its doors in 1957, has long been a favorite haunt for tourists and locals alike, known for its vintage charm and old-school Vegas vibe. However, in recent years, the property has fallen into disrepair and struggled to compete with the newer, more modern resorts that have sprung up along the Strip.
Bally’s Corporation’s plans for the Tropicana include demolishing the existing structure and rebuilding a brand new resort in its place. The new property is expected to feature a cutting-edge casino, luxury hotel rooms, world-class dining options, and a host of other amenities designed to attract visitors from around the world.
“We are committed to preserving the legacy of the Tropicana while also reinventing it for the modern era,” Papanier said. “Our goal is to create a world-class destination that will appeal to a new generation of visitors while still paying homage to the property’s rich history.”
The decision to move forward with the demolition of the Tropicana has been met with mixed reactions from the Las Vegas community. While some residents and business owners have expressed sadness at the loss of a beloved landmark, others see the move as a necessary step towards revitalizing the Strip and keeping Las Vegas competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
Construction on the new Tropicana resort is expected to begin later this year, with a grand opening slated for 2023. In the meantime, Papanier and his team are working closely with city officials and community leaders to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any disruption to neighboring businesses and residents.
“We are committed to being good neighbors and working closely with the community throughout this process,” Papanier said. “We believe that the new Tropicana will be a source of pride for Las Vegas and a destination that visitors will flock to for years to come.” Despite the upheaval, many are excited to see what the future holds for this iconic Vegas landmark.
