Question of the Day - 04 October 2024

Personally, we'll be watching the "film at eleven."

We've seen a few implosions up close and personal and the "drop the Trop" time next Wednesday in the wee hours (2:30 a.m.) doesn't tempt us in the least. Nor do the fireworks and drone show prior to the implosion. 

Also, as you note in the question, the good views have long been taken. We reported that the Foundation Room atop Mandalay Bay is hosting a viewing event for $50 general admission; we shudder to think what the VIP charges are. Also, the rooms with a view at all the MGM properties were sold out weeks ago at prices that would make your wallet implode. 

As for public viewing areas, the two pedestrian bridges from Excalibur and MGM to the Tropicana are closed. We're not sure what the case will be for the other two bridges; if they're open, the one between Excalibur and New York-New York will have a better view.

From the top of the MGM parking garage will -- or would -- be a prime spot, directly across the street and several stories high. Knowing MGM, they might try to prevent people from standing around up there, but it's hard to imagine they'll stop cars from entering. So you might drive in and find a spot, though it'll cost you the parking fee. And you'd probably want to get there early, not only to beat the rush, but to arrive before the Strip is closed to traffic for safety reasons. Then again, the garage might be closed due to safety reasons. We haven't heard as much, but we wouldn't be surprised.

OYO has a parking garage that probably has some good views, but they advertise that it's for hotel guests only. And again, we're not sure if it'll even be open for the implosion.

Otherwise, there's standing around on the street.

Judging by the experience at the implosions of the Riviera in June and August 2016, also at 2:30 a.m., the safety perimeter, off-limits to everyone except authorized personnel, extended several hundred feet from the Riv in every direction to protect against flying debris, dust, and the force of the detonations. Spectators were directed to specific viewing locations outside the exclusion zones.

But in the case of the Tropicana, a statement from Bally's noted, "The public is encouraged to check local listings for live broadcasts of the implosion, as there are no public viewing areas.” 

This strikes us as strange, since they're also putting on fireworks and a drone show and officials are talking about "an awfully exciting evening." Perhaps Bally's execs are suggesting that the fireworks will be just as exciting on TV.  

Of course, people will show up regardless, so again, we'd suggest getting there early to stake out the best and closest viewing area. You also might want to consider bringing along chairs for everyone, since standing around in the dark waiting for a few minutes of fireworks and a 30-second implosion gets old pretty fast. Food and drink are also recommendable while you wait, though police and security presence is extensive, so be careful with the booze.

Also, again using the Riviera as a guide, the mood there was less than celebratory and more somber and nostalgic, even emotional, as a big part of Las Vegas history hit the dust. It was hardly the typical lively party-like atmosphere normally associated with Las Vegas street events. The Tropicana might be different, but fireworks notwithstanding, we wouldn't bet on it.