Tropicana Imploded to Make Way for New MLB Stadium, Marking the End of an Era on the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas' iconic Tropicana hotel-casino, once a symbol of luxury on the Strip, was reduced to rubble in a 22-second implosion early Wednesday morning to make way for a new Major League Baseball stadium. The dramatic demolition, the city's first in nearly a decade, signals another shift in the ever-changing Las Vegas Strip.

At 2:30 a.m. Pacific time, more than 2,000 pounds of explosives brought down the Tropicana's Paradise Tower and Club Tower in less than half a minute. The hotel-casino, often referred to as the "Tiffany of the Strip," opened in 1957 and gained fame for its entertainment acts, including the Folies Bergere revue and jazz performances by Louis Armstrong. After nearly 70 years of history, the Tropicana's storied run came to an end with the implosion.

The event was held privately, with approximately 500 invite-only guests in attendance, as safety concerns prevented the establishment of public viewing areas. However, eager onlookers still flocked to the city to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, resulting in a surge in demand for nearby accommodations. Mandalay Bay's room rates soared to $699 for the night of the implosion, compared to less than $80 just two days later. Watch parties at nearby rooftop venues gave some spectators a chance to witness the historic moment.