The End of an Era: Closing the Doors on the Tropicana and Mirage
This year marks a significant turning point in the history of the Las Vegas Strip, as two of its historically important resorts—the Tropicana and the Mirage—have closed their doors for good. These properties not only represent the evolution of Las Vegas but also encapsulate the city’s storied past, from its Mob connections to the megaresort boom that transformed the landscape.
The Tropicana: A Mob Era Relic
The Tropicana, which first opened its doors in April 1957, was one of the last remaining properties on the Strip that still bore the hallmarks of the Mob era. Known as the “Tiffany of the Strip,” the Tropicana was a 300-room jewel that attracted high-profile guests and notorious figures alike. Over the years, it became associated with some of the most infamous organized crime figures in American history, including Frank Costello and Carlos Marcello.
Since its permanent closure last April, the Tropicana has been undergoing a gradual dismantling, with plans for a dramatic implosion scheduled for October 9. This space is being cleared to make way for a new Major League Baseball stadium, set to become the home of the Oakland Athletics by 2028. The Tropicana’s demise symbolizes the end of an era, as only a few resorts remain on the Strip that still retain original construction linked to the Mob.
The Mirage: A Catalyst for Change
In contrast, the Mirage, which closed in July, is set to undergo a transformation into a Hard Rock hotel-casino, with plans to reopen in the spring of 2027. When it first opened in 1989, the Mirage was a game-changer for Las Vegas. Its iconic volcano and luxurious amenities sparked a boom in megaresort construction, leading to the demolition of several legendary older hotel-casinos. At the time, the Mirage was the largest hotel in the world, boasting 3,044 rooms and a design that captivated visitors.
The Mirage’s opening marked a pivotal moment in Las Vegas history, reversing a slump in tourism and ushering in a new era of extravagant resorts. In the year following its debut, tourism surged by 16%, one of the largest increases in the city’s history. The Mirage set the stage for a new wave of development, with properties like the Bellagio and Venetian following in its footsteps.
Old Las Vegas vs. New Las Vegas
The closures of the Tropicana and Mirage highlight the ongoing evolution of the Las Vegas Strip. Many view these changes as necessary to keep the city competitive, especially as legal gaming expands across the United States. According to the American Gaming Association, every state except Hawaii, Utah, Georgia, and South Carolina has commercial or tribal casinos, with sports betting now legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C.
Geoff Schumacher, vice president of exhibits and programs at The Mob Museum, emphasized the need for Las Vegas casinos to be in a constant state of evolution to remain relevant. While some lament the loss of the old Las Vegas, characterized by its colorful characters and Mob ties, others recognize the necessity of progress in a rapidly changing gaming landscape.
Nicholas Pileggi, co-writer of the film "Casino," expressed nostalgia for the days when resorts were run by individuals with ties to the Mob. He fondly recalls the characters of that era, who transitioned from illegal operations to legitimate enterprises, shaping the unique culture of Las Vegas.
The Tropicana’s Mob Connections
The Tropicana’s history is steeped in tales of organized crime. In its early years, it was a playground for notorious figures, including Chicago oddsmaker Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, who lived at the hotel while his wife danced there. The casino served as inspiration for the Tangiers in "Casino," a film that dramatized the intertwining of gambling and organized crime.
Moreover, the Tropicana was the site of a significant federal investigation in the 1970s, which exposed a skimming operation that funneled untaxed casino revenue to the Kansas City crime family. As the Tropicana prepares for its final act, only a handful of resorts remain on the Strip that still bear the marks of its Mob-connected past.
The Mirage’s Impact on Megaresorts
When Steve Wynn opened the Mirage in 1989, it was the first new resort on the Strip in 16 years. Its golden, Y-shaped design and lavish amenities helped revitalize the Las Vegas tourism industry. The Mirage’s success paved the way for a series of megaresorts that would reshape the Strip, leading to the demolition of iconic properties like the Desert Inn and Stardust.
As the Mirage transitions into a Hard Rock resort, complete with a guitar-shaped hotel, it will continue to play a role in the ever-evolving narrative of Las Vegas. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, the new owners of the Mirage property, plans to honor the legacy of the original resort while ushering in a new chapter for the site.
A Changing Landscape
The closures of the Tropicana and Mirage serve as poignant reminders of the changing landscape of the Las Vegas Strip. While some may mourn the loss of the old Las Vegas, the city continues to adapt and evolve, driven by the need to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded gaming market. As new developments rise from the ashes of the past, the spirit of Las Vegas—ever dynamic and ever-changing—remains alive.