Last Days of Tropicana
The iconic Tropicana Casino, located on the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, will soon bid farewell to its patrons. Bally’s Corporation, the owner of the renowned resort, has announced that the casino will cease operations on April 2, just before its 67th anniversary. The news of its closure comes as plans for a state-of-the-art integrated resort and a professional baseball stadium unfold.
Transition to a New Era
In an exciting development, Bally’s President George Papanier spoke of the company’s partnership with the Athletics to bring a Major League ballpark to the city of Las Vegas. This marks a new chapter for Bally’s as it prepares to replace the Tropicana with a modern resort and the much-anticipated ballpark.
Impact on Workers
Approximately 500 employees, many of whom are members of the Culinary Union, will be affected by the closure. However, the union has assured that they are prepared for the changes. Workers who remain until the final day of operations will receive a generous severance package, including $2,000 per year of service and six months of free health care. Additionally, those who opt not to take the severance package will be offered up to $15,000 and the opportunity to work at the new property.
Transitioning to a New Home
With the Oakland Athletics relocating to Las Vegas in 2025, the Tropicana closure marks the end of professional sports in Oakland. The team’s move to Las Vegas has been approved by Major League Baseball, and a new 30,000-seat ballpark is set to open in 2028. Currently, the location for the team’s 2025-2027 seasons is yet to be determined.
A Rich History
Since its grand opening on April 4, 1957, the Tropicana has held a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. As the most expensive casino ever built in Las Vegas at the time, it attracted major stars and became a prime destination on the Strip. The closure of this historic establishment marks the end of an era, but the promise of a new and exciting future awaits Las Vegas.