Las Vegas Strip's Tropicana set for implosion, according to documents

Documents obtained by FOX5 reveal that the now-closed Tropicana resort on the Las Vegas Strip is set to undergo implosion, marking the end of an era for the longstanding hotel-casino.

Permitting documents from Clark County indicate that GGG Demolition has applied for an Implosion Dust Control Operating Permit (IDCOP), effective March 21, for the "complete demolition and implosion of the Tropicana." The demolition work is slated to commence on April 8, according to the permit.

Speculation had been rife regarding the fate of the Tropicana, with discussions centering on whether it would be imploded or demolished piece by piece. Earlier reports suggested that demolition work would commence in October, as stated by Bally’s chairman to FOX5.

The closure of the Tropicana last week, after 67 years of operation on the Las Vegas Strip, marks the beginning of the site's transformation to accommodate a new ballpark for the Oakland A’s, scheduled to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028.

Maryland-based Controlled Demolition, is preparing for the implosion of the hotel-casino. Mark Loizeaux, president of the company, confirmed plans for the Tropicana's implosion later this year, citing ongoing preparations before providing specific details. Controlled Demolition boasts experience in Las Vegas implosions, having demolished landmarks such as The Landmark Hotel in 1995 and the Riviera Hotel in 2016.

Clark County officials clarified that various precursory permits and surveys precede the issuance of demolition permits. Presently, a dust control operating permit is the only permit issued to GGG Demolition, Inc.

Preparatory activities, including asbestos abatement, are anticipated before proceeding with demolition permitting. Once the Tropicana is demolished, extensive site clearing will follow to pave the way for the construction of the Oakland Athletics’ $1.5 billion ballpark on a portion of the 35-acre site.