The Tropicana Las Vegas, one of the most famous casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, is set to close its doors in April. The closure comes as the property makes way for a new baseball stadium being built for the Las Vegas Athletics, the Major League Baseball team relocating from Oakland. While this development may be exciting for sports fans, it spells trouble for entertainers in Sin City.
Murray The Magician, who has a residency at the Tropicana, expressed his concerns about the closure. He explained that the Las Vegas Strip is already highly competitive for entertainers, with over 70 shows taking place every night on the 2.5-mile stretch. The closure of the Tropicana eliminates two venues, leaving some acts out in the cold.
The Tropicana has a rich history of launching the careers of many Vegas performers. Notably, Siegfried and Roy got their start at the Tropicana, and without them, there would be no Cirque du Soleil. The property also hosted the Folies Bergere for nearly half a century and was once home to residencies by Gladys Knight and Wayne Newton.
Murray emphasized that the Tropicana changed the way people are entertained in Sin City, and its closure will have a significant impact on the entertainment landscape. He himself performs at the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana, and the property also hosts tribute shows for Michael Jackson and Prince.
While there are reports that some tribute shows may relocate to new spots in Vegas, Murray and the Laugh Factory are finishing a deal to move to a new location on the Strip. However, if these deals fall through, it could be tough for the performers who have called the Tropicana their home.
The closure of the Tropicana serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of Las Vegas and the challenges faced by entertainers in a hypercompetitive industry. As one iconic venue fades away, new opportunities will undoubtedly arise, but for now, there is concern for the performers who have built their careers at the Tropicana.
