The Tropicana Hotel's storied legacy ends with implosion on the Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The Tropicana Hotel, a landmark on the Las Vegas Strip for 67 years, is scheduled to be demolished tonight. This marks the end of an era for the iconic resort, known for its rich history and vibrant entertainment offerings.

“Welcome to the 1984 version of Folies Bergere,” a voice once announced, the longest-running show in Las Vegas history.

Folies Bergere graced the Tropicana stage for 49 years until it closed in 2009.

The Tropicana opened its doors in April 1957 on Bond Road, a street that was renamed Tropicana Avenue in 1961. At its inception, it was the most expensive resort ever built in Las Vegas, costing $15 million. Eddie Fisher appeared in the opening act, accompanied by his then wife Debbie Reynolds and his future wife Elizabeth Taylor.

The hotel became a celebrity magnet, attracting the likes of Dean Martin, Groucho Marx, Nat King Cole, Milton Berle and Walter Winchell. Even Muhammad Ali trained at the Tropicana for his big fights in the 1970s. Sammy Davis Jr. was so enthusiastic about the hotel that he owned eight percent of it in the early 1970s.

The Tropicana Theater featured performances by Charo, Xavier Cugat, Pearl Bailey, Mitzi Gaynor and Donny and Marie Osmond. Known for its Miami vibe, the hotel features a pool where Jayne Mansfield once posed on the diving board, swim-up blackjack and even underwater slot machines.

Joe Krathwohl, known as “The Birdman,” performed at the Tropicana for 15 years starting in 1989. “I lived in the Trop the first year I came to town. If I had the choice, I would still live there until it starts.” “I'm out,” said Krathwohl. His bird Sheba became a star in her own right. “She performed at almost every show I did at the Trop,” he said. “It got to the point where she was more famous than me, and I was happy with that.”

Producer Dick Feeney, who directed more than a dozen shows in Las Vegas, including the most recent show at the Tropicana, MJ Live, shared fond memories. “It was fabulous. One of the gems of the Strip,” Feeney said.

As the Tropicana prepares for its final farewell, all that remains is to say goodbye to this former icon of the Las Vegas skyline. “Bye Bye. Bye Bye. Bye-bye,” reflects the sentiment of many who treasured the memories created within its walls.