@domknowslasvegas: When they imploded the legendary Riviera Hotel and Casino in 2016, it officially marked the end of the classic, mob-era Las Vegas Strip. The iconic resort didn't go quietly—the 24-story Monaco Tower was brought down in a massive, midnight spectacle complete with a live fireworks show, VIP viewing areas, and classic Vegas showgirls. The Riviera had an incredible 60-year run. It opened its doors on April 20, 1955, and officially closed them on May 4, 2015. The hotel was originally conceptualized by Detroit mobster William Bischoff, opened under Miami businessman Samuel Cohen, and went through multiple corporate hands—including Starwood Capital Group—before its final purchase. The Riviera was famously the Strip's first high-rise resort. It became iconic for its deep organized crime roots and legendary headliners like Liberace, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. It was also a massive Hollywood darling, serving as the backdrop for the original 1960 Ocean’s 11, James Bond's Diamonds Are Forever, and Martin Scorsese's Casino. As massive, ultra-modern mega-resorts popped up further south on the Strip during the 1990s and 2000s, the aging Riviera struggled to compete for occupancy and could no longer command premium room rates. Today, the vibrant neon and casino floors are completely gone. The vast majority of the old Riviera footprint is now occupied by the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall, a massive, state-of-the-art 1.4 million-square-foot exhibit space that officially opened in June 2021. What do you think? Did you ever get a chance to stay at The Riviera before it fell, or do you prefer the modern mega-resorts? Drop your favorite vintage Vegas memory in the comments! #lasvegas #implosion #demolition #construction #2000s

Dom Knows Las Vegas

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Wednesday 14 October 2026 15:00:00 GMT