Janice R. Andrews
The renowned Tropicana Las Vegas resort was razed in a spectacular display early Wednesday, clearing space for the Oakland Athletics’ future home. The 70-year-old entertainment venue’s demolition captivated onlookers with a blend of pyrotechnics, aerial displays, and controlled explosions.
The event kicked off at approximately 2:30 a.m. with a seven-minute fireworks show orchestrated by Fireworks by Grucci, a company known for its Las Vegas Strip productions. Enhancing the visual spectacle, 555 drones formed aerial patterns, including the Tropicana’s emblem and casino chip designs. The climax arrived when 2,000 pounds of explosives reduced the 44,570-square-foot structure to debris in a mere 22 seconds.
While public viewing areas were restricted for safety reasons, a select group of 500 invitees witnessed the historic event in person. Neighboring hotels capitalized on the occasion, hosting viewing parties and significantly increasing room rates. Mandalay Bay, for instance, charged up to $699 for Tuesday night stays, a stark contrast to its typical sub-$80 Thursday rates. Other nearby establishments like Excalibur and Luxor reached full occupancy.
Social media soon flooded with footage of the implosion, capturing the towers’ collapse. Observers praised the impressive pyrotechnics and drone formations, with one attendee describing it as “incredible to witness in person.” The drones also displayed the Oakland A’s logo, symbolizing the future stadium that will replace the Tropicana.
Construction on the new MLB venue is scheduled to commence shortly, with completion targeted for the 2028 season. Tropicana General Manager Arik Knowles expressed optimism, calling the demolition “the beginning of something even greater.”
This event marks a significant transition for Las Vegas, as the city continues to reinvent itself, bidding farewell to one of its most iconic landmarks with a visually stunning send-off.
