The Tropicana, the third-oldest casino on the Las Vegas strip known for its grandness, previous ties to organized crime and A-list guests, is no more.
An elaborate implosion early Wednesday reduced the 67-year-old landmark, casino and hotel to rubble to make way for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium that will eventually house the Athletics after their move from Oakland.
The hotel and casino, previously known as the “Tiffany of the Strip,” cost $15 million to build and opened in 1957. The Tropicana underwent major renovations and changes during its lifetime. A $1 million green-and-amber stained glass ceiling was installed above the casino floor in 1979.
The Associated Press reports that from the casino’s early days, the Tropicana had ties to organized crime — mostly through mobster Frank Costello. By the 1970s, federal authorities had charged more than a dozen people with conspiring to skim $2 million in gambling revenue from multiple Vegas casinos, including the Tropicana.
Members of the legendary Rat Pack frequented the Tropicana, including Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The structure closed in early April.
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