LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Just shy of its 68th anniversary as a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, the Tropicana is preparing to close its doors for good.
On Monday, Bally’s Corporation announced it’s moving forward with development of the property for a “state-of-the-art integrated resort and ballpark.” The Tropicana will cease operations on April 2. No word yet on how soon after the demolition will happen, or if it will be surrounded with any fanfare.
In a press release, Bally’s says it looks forward to creating a resort and ballpark that will serve as a new Strip landmark.
“This is an exciting next chapter for Bally’s, and we are honored to be a key partner with the Athletics on bringing a Major League ballpark to the great city of Las Vegas,” says Bally’s President, George Papanier.
In May, shortly after the announcement of the brand’s partnership with the A’s, Papanier said Tropicana would remain open for between 18 and 24 months. Monday’s announcement cuts the timeline significantly.
The closure will affect nearly 500 workers, a majority of whom are part of the Culinary Union.
On Monday afternoon, Ted Pappageorge with the union addressed questions on what the next steps would be for the workers.
Pappageorge said they were preparing for the closure but did not expect it to happen so soon, though they were prepared.
“We knew it was happening, but the reality is construction schedules change all the time, deals change all the time, whether it comes to buying or selling on these projects, the truth is we have to be prepared,” Pappageorge said.
Pappageorge said workers will get paid $2,000 per service year. For example, if they worked for ten years that means they would get paid $20,000 in a severance package along with six months of free health care.
The catch would be they have to work until the very last day.
Some other options for those who choose to not take the severance package is getting paid up to $15,000 and having the opportunity to work in the new property.
No word yet on what Bally’s has planned for the hotel’s staff. Leaders of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 will address that topic Monday afternoon, and FOX5 will bring you their comments.
The Tropicana opened on April 4, 1957. At the time, at $15 million, it was the most expensive property on the Strip. It was even featured in Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas. However, it began to struggle in the 1970s and lost much of its luster when compared to newer, larger projects.
After its demolition, nine acres will be contributed to the construction of a 30,000-seat ballpark. Bally’s says the final plans for the stadium are being finalized, but did not indicate when they might be ready to reveal.
Stay with FOX5 for continuing coverage of this developing story.
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