Tropicana Las Vegas, one of the longest-standing casinos on the Strip, is set to close its doors for good on Tuesday, just two days before its 67th anniversary. The aging property has struggled to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of Las Vegas, leading to its ultimate demise.
The closure of the Tropicana marks the end of an era for many, including 56-year-old Las Vegas local Antioco Carrillo, who worked in the property’s kitchen when he first immigrated to the United States in 1987. Walking through the property one last time with his husband, Carrillo felt a sense of nostalgia as he reminisced about his time working there and the diverse group of coworkers he had.
Once considered the most luxurious resort in Las Vegas with a $15 million price tag, the Tropicana was known for its entertainment offerings, including the iconic Folies Bergère show and performances by jazz legends like Louis Armstrong. However, over the years, the property struggled to compete with the newer, larger megaresorts that now dominate the Strip.
Despite the bittersweet feelings surrounding the closure, the city of Las Vegas is moving forward with plans to demolish the Tropicana and make way for a new Major League Baseball stadium. While the property may be gone, memories of the Tropicana will live on through collaborations with local museums and the sale of items from the resort.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve and transform, Carrillo reflects on the changing landscape of the city, saying, “It’s sad to see the hotel go, the whole property go, but it’s exciting to look at the new opportunities this city is going to have.”
