5 Billion MLB Stadium

In a significant development for Las Vegas, the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas hotel-casino is set to shut its doors on April 2nd, marking the beginning of preparations for its demolition. The closure comes as part of a plan to make room for a remarkable $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium, which will serve as the new home for the Oakland Athletics.

Bally's Corp., the Rhode Island-based company that purchased the Tropicana in 2021 for $308 million, made the announcement on Monday. The resort, often referred to as the "Tiffany of the Strip," has been a prominent fixture in Sin City for over 60 years. Its closure is a significant milestone as Las Vegas continues to expand its sports entertainment offerings.

The Tropicana, which opened in 1957 with 300 rooms spread across three stories, was regarded as the most lavish and expensive hotel-casino in Las Vegas at the time. Now, this prestigious location will give way to a state-of-the-art 30,000-seat ballpark with a retractable roof. In November, all 30 Major League Baseball owners granted their approval for the Oakland Athletics' relocation to Las Vegas.

Bally's is enthusiastic about developing a new resort and ballpark that will not only serve as a new landmark but also pay homage to the rich history and global appeal of Las Vegas, a city that welcomes nearly 50 million visitors annually. This ambitious project is backed by $380 million in public funding and is slated to open its doors in 2028, creating further buzz within the city's already thriving sports scene.

With the Tropicana's closure, Bally's has announced that it will no longer accept hotel bookings beyond April 2nd. However, the company has committed to relocating any customers who have reservations after the closing date, ensuring their convenience during this transition.

While the development of new projects in Las Vegas is exciting, concerns have been raised about the welfare of the workers employed at the Tropicana. Mike Pappageorge, a representative of the Culinary Union, has emphasized that workers should not be treated as disposable commodities and called for their fair treatment throughout this transition.

As the Tropicana bids farewell to its guests, the city of Las Vegas eagerly anticipates the construction of a new landmark that will further enhance its reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination. The forthcoming MLB stadium will join the ranks of the Las Vegas Raiders' impressive Allegiant Stadium and the Stanley Cup-winning Golden Knights' home at T-Mobile Arena, further solidifying the city's place in the realm of professional sports.

The closure of such a historic establishment is a bittersweet moment, but it represents another chapter in Las Vegas' ever-evolving landscape.