Pondering the Departure of Two Vegas Classics…

Now you see it, now you don’t… TC ponders the changing of the guard in Vegas as iconic properties, the Trop and Mirage, vanish. Read on! – the editor

On the famous Las Vegas strip, a changing of the guard is happening. Let me explain.

Two resorts have bid farewell to the casino industry here. One may have been past its prime, the other needed to evolve. Last April, the new owners of the famed Tropicana Casino Resort decided to shut it down after an almost 60-year history. The opportunity was present– Baseball on the strip.

The planned relocation of the Oakland A’s to our desert has been through a bucket of controversy. With the original planned location of a new baseball stadium a block west of the strip (a logistical nightmare!!), if you are going to go big, it is better to do it in a prime location.

Hence, The Tropicana.

Mind you, this space is not that much better logistically. Between the T-Mobile Arena close by and the Allegiant Stadium a half a mile away, I’d say this particular corner is going to be “sported-out.” For sure, a busy corner will Just. Get. Busier.

Eye-Catching…

The designs of the new stadium are pretty sweet, and if executed, will be impressive. Tropicana’s owner, Bally’s, would have an opportunity to build a companion resort with casino, on the same plot of land, which is not even owned by Bally’s. Do I see a more capitalized gaming company taking over that project? Possible. Depending if we have any recessions between now and when the A’s are supposed to have first game in 2028.

A few weeks ago, The Mirage Casino Resort closed after 35 years on the Las Vegas Strip. Steve Wynn, the creator and developer of the original resort, has not been involved with the Mirage for many years now. The Seminole Tribe, that owns the Hard Rock brand, and multiple casinos in the USA, needed a great infrastructure to create a new Hard Rock Casino.

Note: The previous incarnation had become the Virgin Hotel, and was a licensee Property, not owned by the tribe. What the Tribe did with an old property in Atlantic City was amazing.

The big difference, a major impact. At the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fl, the Tribe built a new hotel tower: Guitar Shaped!

The Guitar is coming to Vegas. It is replacing the iconic volcano, in front of the Mirage.

It is sad that the casino that started the mega resort revolution has closed…

It is sad that the casino that started the mega resort revolution has closed, but Steve Wynn gave us good bones. An infrastructure that will support a large re-brand.

So, a fake volcano is being replaced by a fake guitar? In retail, that’s a refresh. For this property, a way to generate revenue that includes an eye-catching, more intimate view of The Strip.

That’s a Wrap…

My understanding is that 3 years from now, in 2027, that new Hard Rock with the fake guitar, will be open for business. A year later, is the anticipated opening date for the new ballpark. And not to get too far ahead… but then, sure why not… The train arrives. Literally, as the long talked about LA to Vegas alternative to “the drive” becomes a reality: Brightline West. Timing? Functional for the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA, of course.
For sure, this is a To Be Continued…

Thanks for reading and pondering with me. —TC