Las Vegas is preparing for the Tropicana Hotel's final farewell with an implosion

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The iconic Tropicana Hotel, once a jewel in the desert, is scheduled to be demolished in a cloud of dust Wednesday morning to make way for the A's new stadium.

The Tropicana, which opened its doors in April 1957, was at the time the most expensive hotel ever built on the Las Vegas Strip at a cost of $15 million.

Known for its lavish pool with beautiful waterfalls and the long-running show “Folies Bergere,” which entertained guests for 49 years until its closure in 2009, the Tropicana attracted many of the rich and famous. Many performed in the exhibition space or simply stopped by to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

“It was just so much fun. You could watch the laser light show and the dancing fountain show. There was always something going on and it was just the place to be,” said an artist who graced the Tropicana stage for 15 years.

There will be several road closures as the city prepares for the implosion.

From 11 p.m. Tuesday evening until 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, the I-15 ramps near Tropicana will be closed, as will Las Vegas Boulevard from Harmon to Hacienda and Tropicana Avenue from Dean Martin to Koval.

Residents and visitors are welcome to join News 3 for special coverage of the event starting Wednesday at 2:09 a.m.

The live broadcast will include the implosion and a one-hour special honoring the legacy of the Tropicana on the Las Vegas Strip.