LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Community groups are working with Tropicana Las Vegas on preserving historic and sentimental pieces ahead of the resort’s closure next week.
“Tropicana Las Vegas is collaborating with esteemed institutions such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the Neon Museum, and the Showgirl Museum to preserve the heritage and items of sentimental value within the Tropicana,” the resort posted on social media.
Bally’s Corp., which operates the Tropicana, announced the casino-hotel will close on Tuesday, April 2. The property will be demolished and a portion of the land will be transferred to the Oakland Athletics for a new baseball stadium. Demolition has not yet been scheduled.
Open since April 4, 1957, the Tropicana is one of the oldest casinos still standing on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort has hosted entertainers like Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Jayne Mansfield, Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, Gladys Knight and Wayne Newton.
A spokesperson for UNLV Special Collections & Archives said discussions have focused on corporate records for the Tropicana, though details are still fluid.
The Neon Museum could acquire signage, carpet samples, uniforms and other artifacts, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions, while the Showgirl Museum could take theater artifacts.