The Eastside Cannery hotel-casino in Las Vegas was demolished in a controlled implosion at 2 a.m. on March 5, 2024, marking the end of a property that opened in 2008. The hotel, which cost approximately $250 million to build, was shut down since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Its owners, Boyd Gaming Corp., have stated plans to sell the land for residential development.
The Eastside Cannery, located on Boulder Highway, had become a staple for local residents and visitors alike. The 16-story structure boasted over 300 hotel rooms, a casino spanning 64,000 square feet, several bars and restaurants, a 250-seat entertainment lounge, and 20,000 square feet designated for meetings and events. When it opened, developer Bill Wortman emphasized its potential to enhance the eastern side of Las Vegas, stating, “We think it brings a new dimension to the east side of town.”
Despite its modern features, the Eastside Cannery’s shorter lifespan compared to other Las Vegas hotels highlights a shift in the industry. According to Michael Green, a history professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the property was “a lot newer” than many hotels that have faced demolition. Traditionally, Las Vegas casino implosions are grand events, drawing crowds and celebrations. However, the Eastside Cannery’s implosion lacked public viewing areas or any accompanying fireworks, although some spectators gathered at a nearby RV park to witness the event.
Market Changes and Demolition Decisions
The Eastside Cannery had remained closed since early 2020, and Boyd Gaming cited insufficient market demand as a reason for not reopening. In a letter to Clark County officials, Boyd’s chief compliance officer, Michelle Rasmusson, stated there was “plenty of excess capacity” at the neighboring Sam’s Town hotel-casino, also owned by Boyd. The company purchased the land under Eastside Cannery from Wortman for $45 million, previously leasing it before deciding on the demolition.
The decision to implode the Eastside Cannery aligns with a broader trend in Las Vegas, where older hotels are often replaced by newer developments. Notable examples include the Dunes, which opened in 1955 and was demolished in 1993 to make way for the Bellagio. The Dunes’ implosion attracted over 200,000 spectators, underscoring the spectacle of such events in the city.
While some properties have faced demolition, others have opted for different methods. The Harmon hotel, for instance, was dismantled before it was ever completed due to structural flaws, illustrating the varied approaches to dealing with unproductive assets in the area.
Impact of the Pandemic on Local Casinos
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the casino industry in Nevada. Many establishments, particularly those located away from the Las Vegas Strip, chose not to reopen after the mandated closures. Brian Gordon, a principal at the consulting firm Applied Analysis, noted that casino operators are now rethinking their business models. As a result, properties like Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, and Texas Station were demolished and sold for approximately $90 million combined after remaining closed post-pandemic.
The Eastside Cannery’s closure and subsequent demolition reflect the evolving landscape of Las Vegas. Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming, stated that the acquisition of Eastside Cannery was part of a strategy to enhance their presence in the local casino market. The hotel-casino was envisioned as a “much more modern facility” than its predecessor, the Nevada Palace, which opened in the 1970s.
As the city continues to evolve, the implosion of the Eastside Cannery serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the Las Vegas hospitality industry. Wyatt Diaz-Gomez, a resident who witnessed the implosion, commented, “It was pretty cool,” encapsulating the blend of nostalgia and excitement that such events evoke in Las Vegas.
