Bally’s implodes Tropicana Las Vegas to construct new ballpark and resort

Tropicana Las Vegas implosion
Image: Denise Truscello/Getty Images

Bally’s Corporation has demolished Tropicana Las Vegas as part of a farewell display which included fireworks and a drone show, before concluding with a 22-second implosion of the resort.

Tropicana’s two 22-story towers were imploded to make way for the construction of a baseball ballpark and entertainment resort, part of a partnership that has been in place since May 2023 between Bally’s, Gaming and Leisure Properties and the MLB’s Oakland Athletics, who will be moving into the stadium.

Several figures connected to the Athletics and Bally’s were in attendance at the event, honouring Tropicana’s history and looking forward to its future.

This included Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim, Athletics owner John Fisher, Tropicana General Manager Arik Knowles, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President Steve Hill and Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson

“Bally’s is honoured to have been part of this historic moment, bidding farewell to the iconic Tropicana,” said Kim. 

“As we celebrate its legacy, we look ahead to building a world-class entertainment resort, the future home of the Athletics, and cementing Las Vegas as the ultimate sports and entertainment capital.”

Before the implosion, Fireworks by Grucci produced a fireworks display and a 555-drone show. Controlled Demolition Inc and GGG Demolition then conducted the implosion of the Tropicana, using 22,000 feet of detonating cord and more than 2,000 pounds of explosives strategically placed in over 1,300 cutpoints and boreholes.

Fisher added: “The demolition of the Tropicana represents an important milestone in the process of bringing A’s baseball to the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip and the community of Southern Nevada. 

“We hope that, in time, this site will become a place of unforgettable experiences for fans of the game. We extend our gratitude to Bally’s and GLPI for their partnership as we embark on this project together.”