Lobby Bar and More Headed to the Tropicana

The major upgrades to the Tropicana Las Vegas are still being tweaked, but the resort is fully committed to creating a new, multi-million dollar look to complement the arrival of celebrity chef Robert Irvine this summer.

The Food Network TV star is dropping his first Las Vegas restaurant into the former sports book space and not far away, work will begin on constructing a 40.5-foot high, single story addition to the property. On the north side of the resort, facing the MGM Grand, the Tropicana intends to add the 20,515 square feet of space, anchored by a new lobby, an adjoining bar, a "grab n’ go" retail area, plus an outside dining patio.

A "subterranean" valet parking garage is also being created and a "refresh" of the porte cochere and hotel registration are part of the plans. A basement level will be created solely for the resort’s back of house operations. They will also be upgrading the neighboring bus stop on Tropicana Avenue, a busy stop on the RTC bus service schedule to McCarran airport.

No details on the bar, or provider for the outdoor dining venture have been revealed, or a current timetable for completion. Robert Irvine’s yet to be named restaurant is aiming for a July debut. Updates are expected when he brings his Robert Irvine Live interactive cooking show to the Tropicana Theater on Thursday, April 6, at 7 p.m.