Tag: Tropicana Casino and Hotel

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Tropicana to close April 2, 2024 to make way for the A’s

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Statement issued by Tropicana Hotel and Casino general manager Arik Knowles regarding the closing of the Tropicana to make way for the Las Vegas A’s new ballpark on the Vegas strip (below)

Photo: Outside of the Tropicana Hotel and Casino which will close on Apr 2, 2024. The construction on the site to clear the way for the Las Vegas A’s new ballpark will start on Apr 2025. (photo by the Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Tropicana to close April 2, 2024, to make way for the A’s

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The second oldest hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, Tropicana, will close on April 2, 2024, and later in 2024, imploded to make way for a stadium for the A’s. Below is today’s official statement by the Tropicana Las Vegas.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: A look at the NFL Playoffs; Salt Lake City offering A’s permanent home if Fisher can’t afford Vegas construction share

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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (left) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid seen here before their game back Sun Sep 19, 2024 face each Sun Jan 28, 2024 for the AFC Championship at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie we open with the NFL and we’ll start with the AFC Championship The Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Two of the top quarterbacks in the NFL are going at it with Pat Mahomes for the Chiefs and LaMar Jackson for the Ravens.

#2 The Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers match up for the NFC Championship. The Lions Jerod Goff the former Cal Bear and Novato resident has led the Lions to this long awaited moment after many years of losing the Lions have been the surprise of the NFC to get here. The 49ers who have a Pro Bowl team and who are the favorites to win it with Brock Purdy under center.

#3 During Wednesday’s Las Vegas A’s Coming out party at the Fontainebleau Hotel and Casino grand ballroom. The Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Mary Beth Sewald opened with welcoming the A’s to Las Vegas only to a murmuring from the crowd present. There were many business leaders, business people and some local baseball fans who paid $100 a ticket and up to hear what Sewald and A’s owner John Fisher had to say. It would seem they didn’t come away impressed.

#4 The City of Salt Lake City is offering up their hospitality for the A’s to not only play all of their remaining home games until the Las Vegas ballpark is built but in the event that Fisher cannot pay his share of the construction costs in Las Vegas he could move the team to Salt Lake City and the City will work on paying for the entire ballpark with City tax dollars.

#5 We’ve ask a number of staff reporters if Fisher can’t get enough money for the ballpark construct will he have no other choice but to come back to Oakland and work something out with City Hall and he does own half of the Oakland Coliseum property?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports on Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s Relocaton podcast with Daniel Dullum: Nevada State lawmakers received $112,000 in contributions from A’s; A’s see dollars but those are Super Bowl dollars not game day dollars

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Nevada Senate Majority Leaders Nicole Cannizzaro who voted for using public funding for the Las Vegas A’s/Tropicana ballpark on the Vegas Strip was one of 41 of 63 legislators who received a campaign contribution from the A’s after $380 million in funding was approved last Jun 2023. Only 10 legislators who voted against the funding received a contribution. (photo from ABC 8 News Now TV)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Hotel rooms in Las Vegas on an average night the week before Super Bowl LVIII are going for the mid $900s and going as high as $2833 a night. The A’s know an out of towner won’t spend this much during the regular baseball season but they and Bally’s Tropicana have visions of dollar signs dancing through their heads none the less.

#2 It was learned on Thursday that local and state lawmakers received $112,000 in contributions from the Oakland A’s. The lawmakers that received $10,000 out of the $112k contribution were Democrats from Las Vegas, Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and Senate Minority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro.

#3 The public was made aware of the contributions when the finance reports for the quarter of Oct 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2023. The $112,000 contributions were made after the State Legislature approved the $380 million in public funds for the A’s new Las Vegas ballpark.

#4 Talk about the coincidence of legislators who did not receive contribution because either their not running for reelection or they voted against public financing for the Tropicana ballpark.

#5 On the face of this Daniel does this appear to be some sort of back room deal that’s not a back room deal and it’s quite open that if you voted for the new park your on board and you get your contribution and if you didn’t you don’t get any skin in the game?

Daniel Dullum takes a look at the Oakland A’s Relocation each Friday join him for the podcasts at www,sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s Bumpy Move – A Recall for Oakland’s Mayor

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Rendering of the Oakland/Las Vegas A’s ballpark that is expected to be presented next week. The future park located at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino location in Las Vegas is expected to be completed by 2028 (photo from Schools over Stadiums and Las Vegas Locally)

A’s Bumpy Move – A Recall for Oakland’s Mayor

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–A’s are late submitting their renderings for the new Las Vegas stadium, which is nothing new since they have been late on just about everything in their relocation ordeal from the very beginning; they first selected land at the Rio, Las Vegas, then they changed their minds and moved to buy land at the Tropicana, which is where they have settled to build a 30,000 seat stadium, maybe 33,000 on nine acres.

Not all is well today in the City of Oakland, once called the “City of Champions, “when all three professional teams won league titles, A’s, Raiders, and Warriors. There is a recall of the Mayor of Oakland, Sheng Thao, who was elected last November, but her problems are much bigger than the A’s leaving The Town, as crime is as high as ever, and a group of organized citizens just started a recall.

They will need 25,000 signatures. A professional team leaving Oakland during Mayor Thao’s tenure is a huge loss, but the city’s rise in crime is a bigger issue. A Mayor, of any city, number one responsibility is safety, without safety, a city cannot operate. Some in Oakland are also calling for the city to declare a State of Emergency. That is how bad things are going in The Town.

The great Gertrude Stein was an American novelist, poet, playwright, and art collector, raised in Oakland, California.

The story is told that Gertrude Stein, once said that the problem with Oakland was, ”When you get there, there isn’t any THERE there.” She might be right!

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Fisher may not have the money for stadium; Sources say he’s been talking to other casino owners to chip in for the $1.1 billion cost

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Does Oakland A’s owner John Fisher have the $1.1 billion to pay for Vegas/Tropicana ballpark in Las Vegas? (photo by Athletics Nation)

On the A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Maybe it’s a good thing that Oakland A’s owner John Fisher doesn’t have to pay a relocation fee because he’s having a hard enough time trying to find $1.1 billion to pay for his share of the building construction for the Tropicana ballpark. So far word is he has not plopped down the $1.1 billion and that he just very well may not have the money.

#2 There was talk that he was going to ask Goldman Sachs for the loan to cover the cost of paying for the construction share but after learning what the interest rates for the loan that bit of news got really quite.

#3 The A’s and the Tropicana were supposed to present the renderings for the new ballpark but that was called off earlier in December after two Nevada Deputies were killed and a renderings announcement would be rescheduled. Then it was expected maybe mid December but here we are in the first week of January and the only thing we’ve heard is the renderings are supposed to take place next week.

#4 Sources say that the A’s and the Tropicana have been showing renderings to other Casino owners and from those sources no casino operator has been willing to put in his share towards the stadium financing. If this is the case Fisher clearly doesn’t have the money and is going with hat in hand up and down the strip.

#5 Schools over Stadiums who might be the last hope to stop public financing for a new ballpark on the strip has come out with their campaign push on their X page stating reasons why funding the Tropicana ballpark with public money over education is a bad idea. Schools over Stadiums is looking for voter support in the event they can get an initiative on the ballot that would stop public funding of an A’s Las Vegas Park. Whatever the outcome for Schools over Stadiums the fight is on.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s still need FAA approval regarding Las Vegas Airport; Vegas fans are not excited about A’s coming

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The air traffic tower under construction at the Las Vegas Airport in this Aug 6, 2014 photo. The runways for take off and landings front where home plate will face at the Las Vegas ballpark and there are concerns if the stadium lights would be a distraction for pilots. The A’s and the Tropicana are waiting for FAA approval in that part of the venture. (AP News file photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, our talk show host Jimmy Price went on location at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel and did a close visual of the property and intersection. He confirmed that this will be a tight space for a retractable and the two towers at the Tropicana will need to be demoed and as of the end of December no renderings as of yet.

#2 Also Jimmy mentioned that some of the retail, businesses and people who work and live by the strip do not want the A’s to come to the Tropicana because it will create horrible congestion and a ballpark at Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana will be more of hinderance. Don’t forget the FAA has to approve the stadium as well as home plate faces the landing and take off runway at Las Vegas Airport.

#3 The other point that was brought up was this thinking by the A’s that they’ll bring in attendance by depending on tourism and visiting teams fans will travel with the team like they do for the Raiders. In baseball it’s been brought up whose going to come on a Monday or Tuesday to see the Royals or Pittsburgh Pirates at Tropicana Field very few was the answer.

#4 The A’s ballpark in Las Vegas may not be a destination spot for visitors in Vegas because the product of the A’s just won’t attract visitors from coming. If the A’s were to rebrand themselves as say the Las Vegas Blackjacks or another name then promote themselves as such much in the same way the Washington Nationals did when they left Montreal that marketing strategy might work but using the A’s and their colors it’s not going to fool or excite too many fans.

#5 Once again the non existence of renderings have fans and Vegas residents wondering what is going to work at the park. The Texas Rangers it was said did a great job of their design at Globe Life Field with their luxury boxes and and stadium layout to attract fans in Arlington. The A’s trying to shoehorn a park in the Tropicana that will be tight fit it might not only be the smallest park in the Majors but it could turn into the biggest disaster development mistake in MLB.

Join Daniel for the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: 49ers and Thunder get Public money to facilitate stadiums; Can Schools over Stadiums beat those odds in Vegas?

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Jed York Chief Executive of the San Francisco 49ers and the 49ers will get a tax cut worth $180 million from Santa Clara County. The tax cut will run for 30 years. Another example of public money supporting professional sports stadiums (photo by Sports Illustrated)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, this week the San Francisco 49ers got a tax cut worth $180 million in a ruling from a Santa Clara County Judge. The 49ers have over 30 years remaining on their lease at Levis Stadium. The ruling by Superior Court Judge Helen Williams reject a lawsuit brought on by Santa Clara Assessor Lawrence Stone. The lawsuit challenged the taxable value of Levi Stadium that was set by an appeals board back in 2019.

#2 Like what Schools over Stadiums are saying about the public money that is going to fund the Tropicana ballpark in Las Vegas to the tune of $380 million. Santa Clara Unified School District will be hit with a $2.4 million in revenue because of the 49ers tax relief. Santa Clara will lose out on $32 million and this will be over the life of the Levi 30 year lease. The city of Santa Clara takes a $24 million loss in tax revenue during the 30 year lease. So Schools and education again gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

#3 Oklahoma City voter approved public funding for the Oklahoma City Thunder for a new $900 million downtown arena. The approval keeps the Thunder in Oklahoma City through 2050. 71% of all precincts reported that the funding has been approved. There will be a one cent sales tax for the next additional years. The tax won’t start until 2028. Universities in the state of Oklahoma were against the use of public money to fund the arena with some Oklahoma professors all with PhD’s who were against the public funding, but could not beat back the public support for the new downtown arena.

#4 Daniel taking a look at some these passages for public monies for the 49ers and the Thunder it would look like it will be an uphill battle for the Schools over Stadiums to beat back public funding from the state of Nevada if they could get the signatures to get it on the ballot it’s getting the voters to vote down the public money for the Tropicana ballpark. Not that easy.

#5 The A’s so far have not come up with rendering, they still have to get approval from the FAA to build at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana because of the lights of the ballpark could interfere with landing and take offs as home plate fronts the airport strip, also A’s owner John Fisher needs to come up with his share of the $1.1 billion for the construction of the Tropicana, Fisher owes $48 million for the Oakland Coliseum property for his half that comes due to Alameda County in Jun 2024.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Top five teams pursuing Ohtani; Hinch gets long term deal with Tigers; plus more news

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Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch received a contract extension on Mon Dec 3, 2023. The Tigers didn’t name the amount of years but said it was a long contract. (Athletic file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, talk about some of the teams that have shown interest in obtaining free agent Shohei Ohtani are the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and the San Francisco Giants.

#2 How ironic is it that former Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch who kicked out of Houston for the garbage can drumming scandal now is the darling of the Detroit Tigers as manager. Hinch was reportedly signed by the Tigers on Monday for a very long time. Hinch and the Tigers finished the 2023 season 78-84, the Tigers seventh straight losing season. The Tigers are very confident that Hinch can get this club turned around.

#3 Jimmy Leyland who led the Miami Marlins to the 1997 World Series championship was voted into the MLB Hall of Fame last Sunday. Leyland was named on 15 of 16 ballots. Leyland becomes the 23rd MLB manager to get elected to the hall a string that started in 1980. The Leyland is also remembered for managing the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

#4 The Miami Marlins hired former San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler as assistant general manager on Monday. Kapler who lead the Giants to a 296-248 record during his tenure. Kapler also led the Giants to 107 wins in the 2021 season. This was the only Giants team to win 107 games and make it to the post season under Kapler. The Marlins still haven’t named a general manager to replace Kim Ng who had stepped down from the GM role.

#5 Amaury, with Formula One Race making Las Vegas their home Bally’s Hotel and Casino say this is a big opportunity to give the company and profits in entertainment when the Oakland A’s ballpark is built. The Rhode Island based company Bally’s says it plans to demolish the Tropicana to make way for the A’s ballpark and plan to include a plaza with the park. The entire space is 35 acres with nine acres dedicated to the ballpark.

Join Amaury for News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Will A’s dump Tropicana for a third ballpark site?; Will Fisher have financing troubles for stadium?

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The Foutainbleau location insiders say the A’s would consider the 27 acre site over the current ballpark site at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The site is close to Circus Circus and Stratosphere on the Las Vegas strip (photo by the Las Vegas Review Journal)

On the Oakland A’s relocation podcast:

#1 Daniel a lot of discussion this past week since the owner approved the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas where will A’s owner John Fisher get funding for the stadium his share is $1.1 billion. He’s checking out possibilities for a loan from Goldman Sachs and his family as the State of Nevada has approved $380 million in public money for they’re share of the Tropicana ballpark.

#2 If Fisher can’t get the funding outright it more than likely will kill the deal. Bally’s could kick in but at $ 1.5 billion that’s a tall ask and will they end up being the ones being on the hook. Major League Baseball owners could shore up but still that’s a pretty steep bail out for Fisher.

#3 Schools over Stadiums is viewed as a long shot to get some 102,000 signatures on a petition that would put a referendum on the Nov 2024 ballot that would stop the $380 million public funding of the A’s Tropicana ballpark.

#4 The A’s are possibly looking into a third location near the Fountainbleau on the North East end of the strip, it would be near the Stratosphere, and Circus Circus. This third location is 27 acres as opposed to the nine acres the A’s are working with now. With the bigger site will the cost to John Fisher run more than the $1.1 billion he’s looking at with the nine acre Tropicana?

#5 Schools over Stadiums are planning to redo the petition at the advice of the judge who turned the petition language down in the last hearing on Mon Nov 6th. Once they get their consultation done with their legal staff Schools over Stadium will present the petition language to an Nevada appeals court and move forward with getting the 102,000 signatures split up amongst four Nevada districts.

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Will A’s dump Tropicana for a third ballpark site?; Will Fisher have financing troubles for stadium?

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The Foutainbleau location insiders say the A’s would consider the 27 acre site over the current ballpark site at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The site is close to Circus Circus and Stratosphere on the Las Vegas strip (photo by the Las Vegas Review Journal)

On the Oakland A’s relocation podcast:

#1 Daniel a lot of discussion this past week since the owner approved the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas where will A’s owner John Fisher get funding for the stadium his share is $1.1 billion. He’s checking out possibilities for a loan from Goldman Sachs and his family as the State of Nevada has approved $380 million in public money for they’re share of the Tropicana ballpark.

#2 If Fisher can’t get the funding outright it more than likely will kill the deal. Bally’s could kick in but at $ 1.5 billion that’s a tall ask and will they end up being the ones being on the hook. Major League Baseball owners could shore up but still that’s a pretty steep bail out for Fisher.

#3 Schools over Stadiums is viewed as a long shot to get some 102,000 signatures on a petition that would put a referendum on the Nov 2024 ballot that would stop the $380 million public funding of the A’s Tropicana ballpark.

#4 The A’s are possibly looking into a third location near the Fountainbleau on the North East end of the strip, it would be near the Stratosphere, and Circus Circus. This third location is 27 acres as opposed to the nine acres the A’s are working with now. With the bigger site will the cost to John Fisher run more than the $1.1 billion he’s looking at with the nine acre Tropicana?

#5 Schools over Stadiums are planning to redo the petition at the advice of the judge who turned the petition language down in the last hearing on Mon Nov 6th. Once they get their consultation done with their legal staff Schools over Stadium will present the petition language to an Nevada appeals court and move forward with getting the 102,000 signatures split up amongst four Nevada districts.

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com