Famed Tropicana Las Vegas resort closing to make room for new baseball stadium

Closure of Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel for Major League Baseball Stadium

One of Las Vegas' most historic hotels, Tropicana Las Vegas, has closed its doors after nearly 67 years of operation. The closure is to make way for a new Major League Baseball stadium, which is estimated to cost $1.5 billion. The hotel officially closed on Tuesday, just before its 67th anniversary.

History and Expansion of Tropicana Las Vegas

Tropicana Las Vegas was opened on the iconic Las Vegas strip on April 4, 1957. It quickly gained a reputation for its opulence and was nicknamed the "Tiffany of the Strip". The original building had three stories and 300 rooms, with a unique "Y" shape. In later years, the hotel underwent two major expansions. The Tiffany Tower, later renamed the Paradise Tower, opened in 1979 and added 600 rooms. The Island Tower opened in 1986 and added 800 rooms.

Tropicana's Connection to the Mob

During its early years, the Tropicana had close ties with notorious mobster Frank Costello. Shortly after the hotel's debut, Costello was shot in the head in New York. The police found a note in his coat pocket that mentioned the Tropicana's exact earnings figure and "money to be skimmed" for his associates. The Mob Museum's website has more information on the Tropicana's connection to this storied past.

Legal Troubles and Entertainment at Tropicana

In the 1970s, federal authorities investigating mobsters in Kansas City charged several individuals with conspiring to skim nearly $2 million in gambling revenue from Las Vegas casinos, including the Tropicana. This resulted in five convictions related to the Tropicana alone.

Throughout its history, the Tropicana also offered entertainment that became famous. In 1959, it debuted a risqué show featuring topless feathered showgirls. This show was later featured in the 1964 Elvis Presley film "Viva Las Vegas". Magicians Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, as well as Lance Burton, got their start in the Tropicana show.

Tropicana's Pop Culture Presence

The Tropicana also made appearances in popular culture. Part of "The Godfather" was filmed at the hotel, and in the 1971 James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever," the character of James Bond stays at the Tropicana.

The closure of the Tropicana Las Vegas marks the end of an era for this iconic hotel. Its rich history, connections to the mob, and contributions to Las Vegas entertainment have left a lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape.