Renowned for his expertise in 19th-century history, Nevada & Las Vegas welcomes a distinguished historian to the show to delve into the rich history of Tropicana. Beginning our discussion with his experiences in Las Vegas and his tenure at The Valley Times, which intersected with organized crime, we segue seamlessly into his initial impressions upon hearing the name "Tropicana."
Set to become the new home of the Las Vegas A’s baseball stadium, Tropicana has a storied past intertwined with the city's underworld. Initially touted as "The Tiffany of the Strip," its true colors were revealed following a failed assassination attempt on Frank Costello in New York.
From Joe Agosto's oversight of the Folies Bergere, operating without a license, to Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal's residence at the Tropicana, which sparks anecdotes about Michael's father's views on Sharon Stone's portrayal of Geri in "Casino," the property has navigated a complex path to the present day, often contending with larger competitors.
The integration of a new resort alongside the baseball stadium prompts reflections on past events, such as the 1984 labor dispute that culminated in a bomb explosion in the Tropicana's parking lot. The venue has hosted a myriad of legendary performers, from Ernie Kovacs and Benny Goodman to contemporary acts like Wayne Newton and productions like "Mamma Mia." Notably, the Tropicana also served as a backdrop for iconic television shows like "Charlie's Angels" and the filming of "The Godfather" in 1972.
Contemplating the announcement of the Tropicana as the stadium site, concerns arise about preserving the essence of old Las Vegas amidst the city's rapid evolution. The fate of the iconic stained-glass ceiling in the casino is pondered, along with reminiscences of what will be missed about the Tropicana.
In summary, the discussion illuminates Tropicana’s multifaceted history and its role in shaping the identity of Las Vegas, while also raising questions about the city's future direction and the preservation of its nostalgic landmarks.
Michael Green Link:
https://www.unlv.edu/people/michael-green
Tropicana Links:
Hotel Site (if still operational): https://casinos.ballys.com/tropicana-las-vegas/
Folies Bergere Last Dance Video: https://bit.ly/4bXpRSl
Photo of Iconic Stained-Glass Ceiling: https://www.casino.org/vitalvegas/say-aint-tropicana-casino-lose-stained-glass-ceiling/
Before the Lights Links:
A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tear Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries/bitter-tears
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