After almost seven decades of operation, the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas, currently managed by Bally’s Corporation, is set to close its doors on April 2, 2024. The closure marks the beginning of a significant transformation for the Strip location, as it will make way for the construction of a state-of-the-art $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the MLB’s Oakland Athletics. The decision comes after a deal was struck between the Athletics and Bally’s last May, gaining MLB approval through a unanimous vote by team owners.
Historical Significance of Tropicana Las Vegas:
Opened in 1957, the Tropicana Las Vegas has stood as a prominent fixture on the famous Las Vegas Strip for nearly seven decades. With a rich history, the resort and casino complex has been witness to the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment and hospitality in Las Vegas. Boasting a legacy that spans generations, the closure of the Tropicana marks the end of an era in the city’s vibrant history.
Details of Closure and Relocation:
Vice President and General Manager Arik Knowles conveyed the news of the impending closure to Tropicana Las Vegas team members through a memo. The official closing date is set for April 2, 2024, prompting the initiation of procedures to wind down hotel bookings and relocate reservations scheduled for April and beyond. Bally’s Corporation plans to undertake the demolition of the Tropicana Las Vegas, followed by the finalization of a master plan. As part of this plan, approximately nine acres of land will be allocated to the Oakland Athletics for the construction of their new $1.5 billion baseball stadium.
Bally’s Corporation’s Acquisition and Transformation:
In September 2022, Bally’s Corporation completed its acquisition of Tropicana Las Vegas from Gaming & Leisure Properties and PENN Entertainment. The acquisition, valued at $148 million, included the non-land assets and marked a strategic move by Bally’s to expand its presence in the hospitality and gaming industry. The subsequent decision to repurpose the Tropicana site for the construction of an MLB stadium reflects Bally’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio and contributing to the growth of Las Vegas as a premier entertainment destination.
MLB’s Move to Las Vegas:
The collaboration between the Oakland Athletics and Bally’s Corporation to build a ballpark on the Tropicana site gained traction in May of the previous year. Following negotiations and approvals, Major League Baseball authorized the Athletics’ relocation to Las Vegas, paving the way for the construction of the new stadium. The move was met with unanimous support from team owners, signaling a significant development in the professional sports landscape of Las Vegas.
The Future: Bally’s Constructed Ballpark and Athletics’ Timeline:
The newly constructed Bally’s ballpark is projected to be the new home for the Oakland Athletics, with plans for the team to commence playing in the state-of-the-art facility in 2028. The $1.5 billion investment in the stadium underscores the commitment to providing both players and fans with a modern and immersive baseball experience. The timeline for the stadium’s completion aligns with the broader vision for Las Vegas as a dynamic city that continues to evolve and redefine itself.
As the Tropicana Las Vegas prepares to close its doors after nearly seven decades of operation, the city braces for a transformative chapter in its history. The closure signifies the end of an era for the iconic resort and casino complex, making way for the construction of a $1.5 billion MLB stadium that will serve as the new home for the Oakland Athletics. Bally’s Corporation’s strategic acquisition of Tropicana and its subsequent collaboration with the Athletics exemplify the dynamic and multifaceted growth of Las Vegas as a global entertainment destination. The upcoming Bally’s constructed ballpark is poised to become a symbol of innovation and progress, solidifying Las Vegas’s status as a hub for both entertainment and professional sports.