Road closures are announced as Tropicana Las Vegas prepares for demolition

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The countdown to the final farewell to the Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel and Casino has begun as the 67-year-old piece of history is scheduled to be demolished early Wednesday morning.

“It's a piece of history, you know, like there are movies about it on TV and stuff and like I said, yeah, it's history, you know? said Demitry Kanashin of Las Vegas.

Many locals and tourists News 3 spoke with say they are trying to get one last look at the iconic Tropicana before it is torn down at 2 a.m. on October 9th. However, Bally's Corporation officials say there will be no public viewing areas due to safety restrictions. Still, some hopeful viewers say they've already planned.

“I already got a place. I'm going to go right here and watch the implosion. I’m going to go in front of the MGM here,” said hopeful viewer Montice Williams.

Officials with Bally's Corporation and Las Vegas Metro Police say several road closures will be in effect starting around midnight on October 8th.

These closures affect major streets such as Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, as well as smaller surrounding streets.

“Here, it's the main roads that are closed at night and there are still people driving for Uber and Lyft working at night. So, yes, it will have an impact on traffic and everything, and I'm sure drivers as well,” said Kanashin, who is also a rideshare driver.

Both the Club and Paradise towers that will be imploded are 23 stories tall, and to level the 917,400-square-foot buildings, officials say, about 2,190 pounds of explosives will be detonated.

“You don’t see a lot of buildings being blown up, especially not in person. I think it's cool, it would be a unique experience and it would be nice to come here and see it. I’m sure there will be a lot of other people, I’m looking forward to seeing it,” said Kanashin.

Many others who are also looking forward to the demolition say they are most excited about the seven-minute fireworks display and 555-drone drone show before the demolition, which will last 22 seconds.

“It’s going to be crazy because at the end of the day this was a milestone. “I liked this casino,” Williams said.

News 3 will cover the implosion on air and online.

A livestream of the ceremony and implosion will also be presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Bally Live.