Change is coming to the Vegas Strip—and one iconic name is on its way out
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Las Vegas is a city that constantly reinvents itself—but that doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye.
One of the Strip’s longtime structures, a staple since the 1980s, is now set to disappear.
Its upcoming demolition marks not just the end of a building, but the quiet passing of another piece of Vegas history.
The rotunda at Caesars Palace has stood just off the main driveway for nearly four decades.
Built in 1986, it once drew crowds with its Roman-inspired columns and sleek moving walkway that carried guests in from the Strip.
Over the years, it became the backdrop for countless tourist snapshots—a unique touchpoint on the bustling boulevard of bright lights and big dreams.
But it hasn’t been used in over a decade. And now, officials have confirmed its time is up.
A demolition permit was issued in March 2023, valued at $157,500.
Also read: A racy secret could be hidden under the Lincoln Memorial. Have you seen it?
Caesars Entertainment Regional President Sean McBurney told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “It will go away, probably sometime this year.”
The rotunda had originally been slated for removal ahead of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix but was delayed. McBurney noted that he hadn’t stepped inside in years, but recalled it looked “almost like a mini-Roman city.”
Heidi Sarno Straus, daughter of Caesars Palace founder Jay Sarno, didn’t mince words. “It’s really meaningless,” she said. “It might have been used for storage. It was really just aesthetics. It’s no loss.”
This isn’t the only change visitors will notice.
Another longtime staple, The Mirage, closed its doors and is preparing for a major transformation. The resort—once famous for its tropical theme and volcano—will reopen in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring a towering 700-foot-tall guitar-shaped hotel.
Musical productions have also been hit. Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning show that told the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, ended its run early, despite originally being booked for a full year.
Meanwhile, outside city limits, the 16-story Whiskey Pete’s in Primm shut down in December. While owners say the closure is temporary for renovations, locals worry it may follow the path of other permanently shuttered venues.
Also read: The Pentagon agreed to the terms of this historic settlement–What does it mean?
Since opening in 1966, Caesars Palace has been a defining part of the Las Vegas skyline.
While the rotunda may not have been central to operations, for many it symbolized the classic charm of old Vegas—a time before LED towers and digital billboards.
Removing it is one more reminder of how rapidly the Strip is changing.
Have you walked through the rotunda? Do you remember taking photos there, or stopping to admire its architecture on your way in? Tell us what memories you’re holding onto as the Vegas skyline continues to evolve.
Read next: Healthcare giant announced possible closures–Is your community’s healthcare in jeopardy?
One of the Strip’s longtime structures, a staple since the 1980s, is now set to disappear.
Its upcoming demolition marks not just the end of a building, but the quiet passing of another piece of Vegas history.
The rotunda at Caesars Palace has stood just off the main driveway for nearly four decades.
Built in 1986, it once drew crowds with its Roman-inspired columns and sleek moving walkway that carried guests in from the Strip.
The iconic rotunda at Caesar's Palace on the Las Vegas Strip is set to be demolished later this year. Image source: Vegas Ready / YouTube
Over the years, it became the backdrop for countless tourist snapshots—a unique touchpoint on the bustling boulevard of bright lights and big dreams.
But it hasn’t been used in over a decade. And now, officials have confirmed its time is up.
A demolition permit was issued in March 2023, valued at $157,500.
Also read: A racy secret could be hidden under the Lincoln Memorial. Have you seen it?
Caesars Entertainment Regional President Sean McBurney told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “It will go away, probably sometime this year.”
The rotunda had originally been slated for removal ahead of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix but was delayed. McBurney noted that he hadn’t stepped inside in years, but recalled it looked “almost like a mini-Roman city.”
Heidi Sarno Straus, daughter of Caesars Palace founder Jay Sarno, didn’t mince words. “It’s really meaningless,” she said. “It might have been used for storage. It was really just aesthetics. It’s no loss.”
This isn’t the only change visitors will notice.
Another longtime staple, The Mirage, closed its doors and is preparing for a major transformation. The resort—once famous for its tropical theme and volcano—will reopen in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring a towering 700-foot-tall guitar-shaped hotel.
Musical productions have also been hit. Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning show that told the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, ended its run early, despite originally being booked for a full year.
Meanwhile, outside city limits, the 16-story Whiskey Pete’s in Primm shut down in December. While owners say the closure is temporary for renovations, locals worry it may follow the path of other permanently shuttered venues.
Also read: The Pentagon agreed to the terms of this historic settlement–What does it mean?
Since opening in 1966, Caesars Palace has been a defining part of the Las Vegas skyline.
While the rotunda may not have been central to operations, for many it symbolized the classic charm of old Vegas—a time before LED towers and digital billboards.
Removing it is one more reminder of how rapidly the Strip is changing.
Read next: Healthcare giant announced possible closures–Is your community’s healthcare in jeopardy?
