Bally’s Corporation is closing the doors of its historic Las Vegas casino and resort property.
The entertainment and gaming conglomerate has announced that it will shutter operations of the Tropicana Las Vegas in April as the city prepares to build a $1.5 billion MLB ballpark.
Last May, the Oakland A’s struck a deal with Bally’s to construct a ballpark at the site of the Tropicana before MLB authorized the franchise’s move to Sin City following a unanimous vote by team owners. The A’s are expected to play at the new Bally’s constructed ballpark in 2028.
The stadium will feature a retractable roof and have a capacity of approximately 35,000. Funding for the development will be supplemented with $380 million from Nevada taxpayers.
“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,” said Bally’s President George Papanier. “This is an incredible accomplishment for us as we continue to expand our global footprint and strengthen our sports portfolio, which already includes our digital sportsbook, Bally Bet, and numerous marketing partnerships with professional teams, and leagues.”
The Tropicana has been a Las Vegas staple since its opening in 1957 at a cost of roughly $15 million — the most expensive casino in Las Vegas at that time, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Tropicana will close on April 2 and has vowed to transfer customer reservations after that date to different facilities in Las Vegas.
The closing of the Tropicana also comes at a cost for its nearly 700 employees.
Workers at the Tropicana, many backed by the Culinary Workers Union, have been offered a severance package that includes $2,000 for each service year and health care for six months. Workers who don’t accept the offer can work at Bally’s new property once opened.
Employees who do accept the severance package must work until the Tropicana’s last day of operation.
