View source for The Strat

{{short description|Casino hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox building
 | name                 = The Strat
 | logo                 = The Strat logo.png
 | logo_caption         = 
 | image                = Aerial view Casino Stratosphere LAS 09 2017 4912.jpg
 | caption              = The Strat tower and resort in 2017
 | altitude             = 
 | cost                 = {{US$|70 million}}
 | groundbreaking_date  = November 5, 1991
 | start_date           = February 1992
 | topped_out_date      = November 4, 1995
 | opened_date          = April 30, 1996
 | floor_area           = 
 | address              = 2000 South [[Las Vegas Boulevard]]
 | location             = [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], U.S.
 | building_type        = [[Observation tower]]
 | coordinates          = {{Coord|36.147386|-115.155389|region:US-NV_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
 | antenna_spire        = {{convert|1149|ft|1|abbr=on}}
 | floor_count          = 
 | status               = Operating
 | est_completion       = 
 | architect            = Ned Baldwin
 | developer            = [[Bob Stupak]]
 | elevator_count       = 
 | main_contractor      = 
 | architecture_firm    = 
 | structural_engineer  = 
 | services_engineer    = 
 | civil_engineer       = 
 | url                  = 
 | references           = 
 | module               = {{Infobox casino
|embed=yes
|name        = Other information
|mapframe=no
|rooms       = 2,427
|theme =
|date_opened = 
|space_gaming= {{convert|80000|sqft|abbr=on}}
 | attractions          = {{hlist|[[Big Shot (ride)|Big Shot]]|[[Insanity (ride)|Insanity]] (2005-2023)|[[X-Scream]]|[[SkyJump Las Vegas|SkyJump]]|[[High Roller (Stratosphere)|High Roller]] (1996-2005)}}
 | shows                = ''Viva Las Vegas'' (1996–2006)<br>''American Superstars'' (1996–2011)<br>''[[Bite (show)|Bite]]'' (2004–12)<br>''Pin Up'' (2013–17)<br>''MJ Live''<br>''Celestia'' (2019–20)<br>''Rouge''
 | notable_restaurants  = {{hlist|Top of the World|McCall's Heartland Grill|PT's Wings & Sports|Roxy's Diner (1996–2018)||Strat Café|108 Eats}}
 | owner                = [[Golden Entertainment]]
 | casino_type          = Land-based
 | renovations          = 2000–01, 2004, 2010–12, 2018–20, 2023
 | names_pre            = 
[[Vegas World]] (1979-1995)<br>
Stratosphere (1996-2020)
 | coordinates          = 
 | website              = {{URL|thestrat.com}}
}}}}

'''The Strat'''{{efn|Stylized as "The STRAT".<ref name="Press" />}} (formerly the '''Stratosphere''') is a [[hotel]] and [[casino]] in [[Las Vegas]], Nevada, United States. It includes a {{convert|1149|ft|1|abbr=on}} observation tower, [[List of tallest towers in the world|the tallest in the United States]]. It is also the second-tallest observation tower in the [[Western Hemisphere]], surpassed only by the [[CN Tower]] in [[Toronto, Ontario]]. The top of the tower includes a [[revolving restaurant]], lounges, [[observation deck]]s, and several thrill rides. The hotel and casino are at the base of the tower, and the resort also includes a showroom and a shopping mall. The Strat is within city limits on [[Las Vegas Boulevard]], just north of the [[Las Vegas Strip]]. The resort is sometimes considered a Strip property, but [[Clark County, Nevada|Clark County]] does not officially recognize it as such, saying the Strip does not extend into the city.

Part of the property was previously occupied by [[Vegas World]], a hotel and casino [[Bob Stupak]] opened in 1979. A decade after its opening, Stupak announced plans for a giant neon sign for Vegas World, to be built on adjacent property. The idea soon evolved into an observation tower with a rooftop restaurant. Construction of the Stratosphere Tower began in 1992. A fire of unknown origin occurred on the tower in August 1993, during construction. Stupak then had difficulty acquiring funds to finish the tower. To complete the project, he partnered with [[Grand Casinos]], owned by his poker friend [[Lyle Berman]].

The tower was originally proposed with a height of {{convert|1012|ft|abbr=on}}. But in 1994, Stupak considered extending the height to {{convert|1825|ft|abbr=on}}, seeking the title of tallest free-standing structure in the world. The [[Federal Aviation Administration]] opposed the new height, and the city ultimately rejected it, but allowed Stupak to go as high as {{convert|1,149|ft|abbr=on}}. Vegas World closed on February 1, 1995, and its hotel towers were remodeled to serve as the hotel for the Stratosphere. New hotel towers were built to accompany the existing buildings. The observation tower, which cost $70 million to build, was [[Topping out|topped off]] on November 4, 1995.

The $550 million Stratosphere complex opened on April 30, 1996. Parts of the resort were unfinished at the time, including a hotel tower and sections of the shopping mall. The Stratosphere was built in a crime-ridden neighborhood known as [[Naked City, Las Vegas|Naked City]]. The resort struggled financially during its first year for a number of reasons, including its location away from the Strip and other resorts. Marketing was also limited, as Berman initially believed the tower had generated enough publicity on its own. The unfinished facilities were another factor in the resort's low revenue.

Stratosphere Corporation filed for [[Chapter 11]] bankruptcy in 1997, and businessman [[Carl Icahn]] purchased the resort in 1998. Icahn had the remaining hotel rooms finished in 2001 as part of a $65 million renovation project. The resort became profitable under his ownership by targeting value-conscious visitors. In 2004, ownership was transferred to Icahn's company, [[American Casino & Entertainment Properties]] (ACEP). Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds purchased ACEP and the Stratosphere in 2008. Two years later, ACEP carried out a $20 million renovation that included remodeling the hotel rooms. Other renovations continued into 2012. [[Golden Entertainment]] purchased ACEP and the Stratosphere in 2017, and additional renovations began in 2018, continuing into 2020. The resort was rebranded as The Strat on January 22, 2020.

==History==
{{Main|Vegas World}}
In 1974, [[Bob Stupak]] opened a small casino in [[Las Vegas]] known as Bob Stupak's World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino, north of the [[Las Vegas Strip]] on land previously occupied by the Todkill/Bill Hayden [[Lincoln Motor Company|Lincoln]] [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] Dealership.<ref name="Strip">{{cite web|url=http://striplv.com/archives/19-articles/featured/517-the-men-who-made-las-vegas-bob-stupak-the-polish-maverick.html|title=The Men Who Made Las Vegas - Bob Stupak - The Polish Maverick|website=StripLV.com|year=2014|last=Craft|first=Byron|access-date=2017-03-20|archive-date=2016-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811120841/http://striplv.com/archives/19-articles/featured/517-the-men-who-made-las-vegas-bob-stupak-the-polish-maverick.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The casino burned down two months later,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8636642/the_daily_herald/|title=Museum-Casino Destroyed By Fire on Vegas 'Strip'|date=1974-05-22|work=[[Daily Herald (Utah)|Daily Herald]]|page=12|access-date=2017-03-20}}</ref> and Stupak opened his [[Vegas World]] hotel and casino on the same property in 1979.<ref name=May01/>

===Conception===
Stupak's concept for the Stratosphere began as a plan to construct a {{convert|1,012|ft|m|adj=on}} neon sign tower for Vegas World. In October 1989, Stupak submitted plans to the city for the approval of the neon sign tower, which would stand four times taller than the hotel. A few days later, he withdrew his plans to allow time for a revised version of the tower that would include an elevator leading up to an [[observation deck]]. Stupak, who wanted the tower to become a local landmark, said, "What I'm trying to do for Las Vegas is what the [[Eiffel Tower]] did for [[Paris]], what the [[Empire State Building]] did for [[New York City|New York]], what the Seattle [[Space Needle]] did for [[Seattle]]."<ref name="Landmark">{{cite news|title=Stupak wants a landmark|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9617823/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=[[Reno Gazette-Journal]]|date=1989-10-07}}</ref><ref name="Sign">{{cite news|title=Vegas council turns down sign ordinance|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9617842/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=1989-10-20}}</ref> Stupak's plans received widespread opposition,<ref name=Towers/> including from Las Vegas city staff, who drafted an ordinance that would have limited signs to 35 feet.<ref name=Landmark/> The [[Las Vegas City Council]] rejected the ordinance, considering it a poorly drawn measure aimed specifically at stopping Stupak's project.<ref name=Sign/>

[[File:StupakAndTowerModel.jpg|upright|thumb|Stupak discussing the project, {{circa}} 1990]]
In February 1990, Stupak unveiled his revised plans for a $50 million, {{convert|1,012|ft|m|adj=on}} observation tower with a top floor that would include a revolving restaurant and four penthouse suites. It would be the [[List of tallest buildings in Las Vegas|tallest structure in Las Vegas]] and [[List of tallest buildings in Nevada|in Nevada]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Revised plans unveiled|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9617993/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=1990-02-14}}</ref> The tower was designed by architect Ned Baldwin, who also worked on the [[CN Tower]] in [[Toronto]].<ref name=Breakfast>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Geoff|title=Tourists For Breakfast: Designing Vegas|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2002/04_11/art_tfb.html|work=[[Las Vegas Weekly]]|date=April 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020621082703/http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2002/04_11/art_tfb.html|archive-date=2002-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Winsa |first=Patty |title=CN Tower built to last |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/02/23/cn_tower_built_to_last.html |access-date=2019-07-18 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=2014-02-23}}</ref> Stupak's vision for the project was inspired by the [[Sydney Tower]] in Australia, where he once lived.<ref name=WSJ/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Ainlay |first1=Thomas |last2=Gabaldon |first2=Judy Dixon |title=Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century |date=2003 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-2416-0 |page=139 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zeIbm3iEXhQC&pg=PA139 |access-date=2020-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Stupak, the Polish Maverick |url=https://issuu.com/pokermediaaus/docs/trd_july-august2012_3.3.8_web |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=The Real Deal |date=July 2012 |location=Australia |page=35}}</ref> In April 1990, the city council approved Stupak's tower, despite objections from the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA), which said it was {{convert|200|ft|m}} too tall.<ref>{{cite news|title=Las Vegas approves tower|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9618016/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=1990-04-19}}</ref> [[Nellis Air Force Base]] also opposed the tower. Stupak later said that "all sorts of people out there opposed" the tower, adding, "If it wasn't for the courage of the council, it would have never been built."<ref name=May01/> Critics later called the project the "eighth blunder of the world" and "Stupak's shaft."<ref name=Gaudiness/><ref name=NewKind/>

In October 1991, the city approved the tower's base and shaft; the pod atop the tower had yet to be approved. At the time, Stupak was trying to obtain financing for the now-$100 million project and was also under investigation by gaming officials over allegations that [[Vegas World#Vacation packages|he used deceptive advertising]] to lure customers to Vegas World.<ref name="Daily">{{cite web |title=Casino owner is given green light |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285778205/ |work=[[The Spectrum (Utah)|The Spectrum]] |date=1991-10-23 |access-date=2019-02-08 |via=Newspapers.com|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The project was now planned to include the "world's first indoor African lion's park",<ref name=Daily/> consisting of a jungle habitat at the tower base;<ref name=Breaks/><ref>{{cite news|title=Circus Maximus|url=http://www.newsweek.com/circus-maximus-201700|access-date=2017-03-20|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=1991-11-03}}</ref> this feature was eventually scrapped.

[[Groundbreaking]] for the project, known as the Stratosphere Tower, took place on November 5, 1991.<ref name=Breaks/> The start of construction had yet to be announced for the tower, which was still opposed by the FAA.<ref name="Breaks">{{cite news |title=Stupak breaks ground for tower project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9618463/reno_gazettejournal/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=1991-11-06 |page=13 |access-date=2019-02-08 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vegas tower worries air official |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/153161322/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=1991-10-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 |via=Newspapers.com|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Construction===
Construction of the $32 million tower began in February 1992, on property adjacent to Vegas World.<ref name="BattleCreek">{{cite news|title=Fire engulfs observation tower|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9618662/battle_creek_enquirer/|access-date=2017-03-20|agency=Associated Press|date=1993-08-30}}</ref> Multiple architectural and engineering firms monitored the construction to ensure structural integrity.<ref name=Gaudiness/> The tower was built directly north of the Las Vegas Strip<ref name="North">{{cite web |title=Tower tries to stretch Strip boundary north of Sahara |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/tower-tries-to-stretch-strip-boundary-north-of-sah/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> and south of [[downtown Las Vegas]],<ref name="May01">{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/may/04/stupak-proud-but-not-notably-nostalgic-about-strat/|title=Stupak proud, but not notably nostalgic about Stratosphere|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=2001-05-04|access-date=2019-02-08|first=Richard N.|last=Velotta}}</ref> in an area known as Meadows Village, a crime-ridden neighborhood nicknamed [[Naked City, Las Vegas|Naked City]].<ref name="Mean">{{cite web |last=Zekan |first=Karen |title=Tower rises from mean streets |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/tower-rises-from-mean-streets/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref name=Legacy>{{cite news |last=Witcher |first=T. R. |title=Stupak's true legacy |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/07/stupaks-true-legacy/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2009-10-07}}</ref> Shortly before its opening, a Stratosphere spokesman said, "We hope Stratosphere will be the catalyst that spurs redevelopment" in the area, while acknowledging, "We plunked down a half-billion-dollar project in the middle of one of the worst neighborhoods."<ref name=Mean/>

On August 29, 1993, around midnight, hundreds of customers at Vegas World were evacuated when the half-finished tower caught on fire. No one was hurt.<ref name=BattleCreek/><ref name="Rained">{{cite web|author=Elizabeth Holland and Steve Sebelius |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/1993/aug/30/tower-fire-rained-debris/ |title=Tower fire rained debris |website=Las Vegas Sun |date= 1993-08-30 |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref> The cause of the fire was never determined.<ref>{{cite news |last=Geer |first=Carri |title=Stupak reaches settlement in Stratosphere fire lawsuit |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Oct-30-Sat-1999/news/12255136.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1999-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010502232317/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Oct-30-Sat-1999/news/12255136.html |archive-date=2001-05-02}}</ref> Parts of the tower were blackened, but the fire caused no structural damage. The tower is made of concrete and steel.<ref name=Gaudiness>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas takes gaudiness into the Stratosphere (Tower) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/561109168/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |agency=Associated Press |date=1995-09-24 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The fire delayed the opening, which had been planned for August 1994, by eight weeks. Stupak said the tower's first phase would still be ready in time with an accelerated construction schedule.<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino operator vows to finish building fire-damaged tower|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9618683/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=1993-09-03}}</ref> A large crane atop the tower, used for construction, was also damaged in the fire.<ref name=Rained/><ref name="Winds">{{cite news|title=Winds hamper tower work|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9618706/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=1993-09-13}}</ref> The next month, high winds prevented the scheduled dismantling of the crane, a process expected to take two days.<ref name=Winds/>

{{multiple image
 | image1 = Vegas World and Stratosphere, 1995.jpg
 | caption1 = 
 | image2 = Stratosphere tower construction in 1995.jpg
 | footer = Tower construction in 1995, with a Vegas World hotel tower to the left
}}
After the fire,<ref name=Rave/> Stupak had trouble financing the completion of the tower.<ref name=May01/> To continue construction,<ref name=Rave/> [[Grand Casinos]] announced plans in November 1993 to purchase 33% of the Stratosphere and Vegas World by acquiring shares in Stupak's Stratosphere Corporation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marcotty|first=Josephine|title=Grand Casinos makes Vegas deal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9618745/star_tribune/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Star Tribune|date=1993-11-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Firm Adds to Vegas Deal |url=http://www.newslibrary.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=1994-01-28 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Grand Casinos, owned by Stupak's poker friend [[Lyle Berman]], ultimately purchased a 43% stake in the resort.<ref name=Rave/>

As construction continued in April 1994, the tower was over {{Convert|700|ft}} tall. That month, Stupak announced that he was considering an {{Convert|813|ft|adj=on}} extension of the tower's height, which would bring it to {{Convert|1825|ft}}, beating the CN Tower by {{Convert|10|ft}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Planning the Tallest Structure |url=http://www.newslibrary.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=1994-04-08 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}</ref> and making the Stratosphere the [[List of tallest freestanding structures|tallest structure in the world]].<ref name=AP94/> This new height was opposed by the FAA, the [[Airline Pilots Association]], and [[McCarran International Airport]], on the grounds that it would force changes in air traffic patterns.<ref>{{cite news |title=FAA, pilots opposing Las Vegas tower |url=http://www.newslibrary.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=UPI NewsTrack |date=1994-05-16 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Vegas to study controversial tower |url=http://www.newslibrary.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=UPI NewsTrack |date=1994-05-19 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The FAA said the tower would be an aviation hazard, but its developers argued that the height would make it a major tourist attraction.<ref name=AP94>{{cite news |title=Vegas airport official discusses new tower |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/477139273/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |agency=Associated Press |date=1994-06-14 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Stupak and Grand Casinos developed a laser light show for the tower in case the city rejected the new height. A lawyer for the project said, "If we can't have the world's tallest tower, we'll have the world's most beautiful tower."<ref>{{cite news |title=If tower isn't the tallest, it could be most illuminating |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/153356684/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |agency=Associated Press |date=1994-06-17 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The FAA also opposed the laser show, citing previous incidents around the country in which pilots were temporarily blinded by laser lights.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lasers, spire trouble pilots over Las Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123139079/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=1994-08-24 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In June 1994, the city rejected Stupak's new height proposal but allowed him to go up to {{Convert|1149|ft}}, higher than the {{convert|1,012|ft|m}} he had originally proposed.<ref>{{cite news |title=City approves tower compromise |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/248805805/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=The Desert Sun |date=1994-06-23 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/25/bob-stupak-builder-stratosphere-and-vegas-world-di/ |title=Bob Stupak, builder of Stratosphere and Vegas World, dies at 67 |website=Las Vegas Sun |date= 2009-09-25 |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref> The tower was ultimately built out to the city's maximum height, though the FAA still considered it a hazard.<ref name=FAA/>

{{multiple image
 | align = left
 | direction = vertical
 | image1 = Stratosphere construction, 1995.jpg
 | caption1 = Construction at the foot of the tower (1995)
 | image2 = T-240085515.jpg
 | caption2 = Tower pod during construction (September 1995)
}}
Grand Casinos completed its purchase of Vegas World at the end of 1994,<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere completes purchase of Vegas property |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/193089632/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Star Tribune |date=1994-11-05}}</ref> and the hotel-casino closed on February 1, 1995, for remodeling to be integrated into the resort.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vacationers line up for World's last days|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9619141/reno_gazettejournal/|access-date=March 20, 2017|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=February 1, 1995}}</ref> Vegas World's two hotel towers,<ref name=RecNet/> consisting of 932 rooms,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://securities.stanford.edu/filings-documents/1002/GND96/001.html|title=Grand Casinos, Inc. Securities Litigation|publisher=Stanford University Law School|date=December 23, 1996|access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref> were renovated to become part of the Stratosphere.<ref name="RecNet">{{cite web|url=http://www.recordnet.com/article/19950924/A_NEWS/309249984|title=Las Vegas reaches higher: 100-story roller coaster latest gamble for city|publisher=RecordNet.com|date=September 24, 1995|access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name=Gaudiness/> A month after the closure, Stratosphere Corporation began selling bonds worth $203 million. The company hoped to raise money to finish the tower and pay Stupak the $50.8 million purchase price for Vegas World.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere's Bonds Soar Like Tower Plan |url=https://pressofatlanticcity.newsbank.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=The Press of Atlantic City |date=1995-03-05 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Investors Set Foundation for Stratosphere Casino |url=http://www.newslibrary.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=1995-03-11 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Stupak's critics did not believe he could complete the tower, in part because of his controversial promotional tactics at Vegas World.<ref name=Towers/><ref name="Silences">{{cite web |last=German |first=Jeff |title=Stupak silences his critics with Stratosphere's opening |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/30/jeff-german-stupak-silences-his-critics-with-strat/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-30 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> Critics had also believed that completion would be unlikely after the 1993 fire and the FAA's opposition.<ref name=AP95/> After a 1995 motorcycle accident left Stupak in a coma for 12 days, he said the controversy and "all the complaining" about the tower stopped: "There were people who didn't like the tower, this and that, but after the accident, it was like nobody had anything negative to say about it."<ref name=May01/>

During 1994, crews erected a crane—taller than the earlier one—that allowed them to continue work on the tower. The 75-ton crane was {{Convert|400|ft}} tall and was installed over four days. Removal of the crane began in October 1995, with the use of a second crane. Dismantling the crane was one of the most significant challenges for those working on the tower. The tower pod's unique design and its limited space required construction crews to carefully plan the installation of the second crane, which weighed 30 tons. The second crane lowered pieces of the original crane to the ground, and then lifted a seven-ton [[derrick]] into place, allowing workers to carry down sections of the second crane. The derrick was then disassembled by hand, and workers used a construction elevator to bring down the pieces. The complex and risky process was expected to take nearly two months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Workers dismantling crane |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/477284277/ |work=Elko Daily Free Press |date=1995-10-11 |access-date=2019-07-27 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The tower was [[Topping out|topped off]] with a ceremony on November 4, 1995. A helicopter was used to lift two {{Convert|3700|lb|adj=on}} steel frames to the top. Six workers, strapped to the tower, helped guide the final sections into place.<ref>{{cite news |title=Topping-off for Vegas tower today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/153895628/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |agency=Associated Press |date=1995-11-04 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=AP95>{{cite news |title=Helicopter places top on Stratosphere Tower |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/477292280/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |agency=Associated Press |date=1995-11-06 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower |url=http://www.pcap.com/strato3.htm |website=Las Vegas Leisure Guide |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040612072434/http://www.pcap.com/strato3.htm |archive-date=2004-06-12 |date=1996}}</ref>

Years before the Stratosphere's opening, a three-block neighborhood of houses in Meadows Village was demolished to make room for the resort's 4,500-space parking garage.<ref name=Mean/> In 1994,<ref name=LVS-Apr96/> officials from the Stratosphere project—north of the [[Aztec Inn]] motel-casino<ref name=Beacon/>—agreed with the city's [[Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency]] to have the Aztec Inn's parking lot condemned through [[eminent domain]] and turned over to the Stratosphere.<ref name="LVS-Apr96">{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/eminent-domain-redevelopment-issues-remain/|title=Eminent domain, redevelopment issues remain|last=Sebelius|first=Steve|date=1996-04-26|work=Las Vegas Sun|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref><ref name="LVRJ-Mar97">{{cite web|url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Mar-09-Sun-1997/news/4959608.html|title=They can fight city hall|last=Zapler|first=Mike|date=1997-03-09|work=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970719063545/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Mar-09-Sun-1997/news/4959608.html|archive-date=1997-07-19}}</ref> The Aztec Inn opposed the agreement,<ref name=LVS-Apr96/> and in 1995 a judge ruled it unconstitutional.<ref name=LVRJ-Mar97/><ref name=LVS-Apr96/> By April 1996, the Aztec Inn settled with the Stratosphere and agreed to sell its parking lot.<ref name=LVS-Apr96/>

Separately, the Stratosphere agreed to provide free rent and relocation expenses to approximately 140 residents in a nearby area of Meadows Village that was cleared for an eventual expansion of the resort.<ref>{{cite web |title=Residents Around Stratosphere Tower Evicted |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/mar/19/residents-around-stratosphere-tower-evicted/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-03-19 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sebelius |first=Steve |title=Evictions delayed for some Stratosphere neighbors |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/mar/20/evictions-delayed-for-some-stratosphere-neighbors/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-03-20 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Residents near Stratosphere get aid |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/mar/28/residents-near-stratosphere-get-aid/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-03-28 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref name=Mean/> An additional hotel tower had been planned for the land, directly north of the resort; {{Convert|1.5|acre|adj=}} were already occupied by several businesses, and this portion of the land was to be seized through eminent domain, but three property owners fought the seizure in a court battle that lasted into the next decade. The proposed expansion never took place.<ref>{{ubl
|{{cite news |last=Zapler |first=Mike |title=Property fight lands city back in court |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Mar-24-Tue-1998/news/7169360.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010223093155/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Mar-24-Tue-1998/news/7169360.html |archive-date=2001-02-23}}
|{{cite news |last=Zapler |first=Mike |title=City, Stratosphere sticking to eminent domain pact |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Mar-28-Sat-1998/news/7216377.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991004091807/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Mar-28-Sat-1998/news/7216377.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1999-10-04}}
|{{cite news |last=Squires |first=Michael |title=Eminent Domain: Owner: City 'beat me down' |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-12-Sun-2004/news/24729134.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041224203214/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-12-Sun-2004/news/24729134.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-12-24}}
|{{cite news |title=Justice in land seizure debated |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/justice-in-land-seizure-debated/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-12-04}}
|{{cite news |title=Justice finally for landowner? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/justice-finally-for-landowner/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-12-05}}
|{{cite news |title=County must repay trust account interest |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/county-must-repay-trust-account-interest/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2008-07-25}}
|{{cite news |title=Eminent domain case closed |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/eminent-domain-case-closed/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2008-07-26}}
}}</ref>

===Opening===
The Stratosphere was expected to employ 3,000 people, and began hiring for the remaining 2,400 employees in March 1996, a month before the opening.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commission gives final OK to Stratosphere plan |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/mar/22/commission-gives-final-ok-to-stratosphere-plan/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-03-22 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> At the time, Stupak was the chairman of Stratosphere Corporation and owned 17% of the company. He was one of the corporation's nine directors, and would not oversee the company's daily operations.<ref name="Problem">{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Gaming license no problem for Stupak |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/mar/07/gaming-license-no-problem-for-stupak/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-03-07 |access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref>

Shortly before its opening, several [[Stunt performer|daredevil]]s expressed interest in performing stunts from the top of the tower, but they were declined for safety reasons.<ref name="Build">{{cite web |title=Columnist: Build it and they will come |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/columnist-build-it-and-they-will-come/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> Smoke in the tower's pod restaurant forced an evacuation of workers on April 25, 1996, days before the opening. The smoke came from the pod's fifth-floor kitchen, one floor above the restaurant, due to a faulty ventilator in the air-flow duct system. The pod contained four tanks with 32,000 gallons of water for firefighters in the event of a fire, but they were not needed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Scott |first=Cathy |title=Smoke, but no towering inferno |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/smoke-but-no-towering-inferno/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref>

A film crew followed Stupak all day leading up to the opening.<ref name=May01/> More than 8,000 [[VIP]] guests visited the resort for a premiere party on April 29, hours before its midnight opening. Stupak attended the event with singer [[Phyllis McGuire]]. Other attendees included Nevada governor [[Bob Miller (Nevada governor)|Bob Miller]] and Las Vegas mayor [[Jan Laverty Jones]].<ref name=Rave/><ref name=Silences/><ref>{{cite news |last=Shemeligian |first=Bob |title=Tower debut shaky if you didn't speak Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/03/bob-sheneligian-tower-debut-shaky-if-you-didnt-spe/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-05-03}}</ref><ref name=Opening>{{cite web |title=Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel Tower - Grand Opening |url=http://www.pcap.com/strato.htm |website=Las Vegas Leisure Guide |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040208140402/http://www.pcap.com/strato.htm |date=1996 |archive-date=2004-02-08}}</ref> Media from around the world attended the event,<ref name=May01/> which was broadcast live by [[CNBC]] as well as television stations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.<ref name=Rave/> A six-minute fireworks show, costing $50,000, began at 10:30&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="Rave">{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Tower draws rave reviews |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/30/tower-draws-rave-reviews/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-30 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref name=Silences/> Doors in the tower's pod had been left partially open to accommodate television camera cables, and smoke from the fireworks filled the pod and set off fire alarms, resulting in the shutdown of elevators and stranding hundreds of VIP guests.<ref>{{cite web |title=Smoke strands guests atop tower |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/01/smoke-strands-guests-atop-tower/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-05-01 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Bugs bedevil Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/03/bugs-bedevil-stratosphere/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-05-03 |access-date=2019-02-09 }}</ref>

The $550 million complex featured {{convert|354000|sqft|abbr=on}},<ref name=Towers/> including {{convert|140000|sqft|abbr=on}} of entertainment and shopping space.<ref name="SF">{{cite news |last=Robins |first=Cynthia |title=Las Vegas' Stratosphere is fit for the intrepid |url=https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Las-Vegas-Stratosphere-is-fit-for-the-intrepid-3142441.php |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=SFGate |date=1996-05-26}}</ref> A {{convert|97000|sqft|abbr=on}} casino was part of the resort's first phase, which also included 1,500 hotel rooms. The hotel was expected to open on May 7.<ref name="Towers">{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=New landmark towers over Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/new-landmark-towers-over-las-vegas/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> Another 1,000 hotel rooms were expected to be finished in November<ref>{{cite web |title=Hospitality Network adds Stratosphere to its list |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/feb/23/hospitality-network-adds-stratosphere-to-its-list/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-02-23 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> as part of the second phase.<ref name=Halts/>

The resort had 3,100 employees.<ref name=Rave/> The casino had 2,600 slot machines and was decorated with a [[world's fair]] theme and bright colors.<ref name=SF/> The casino was divided into three sections, each with its own international theme.<ref>{{cite news |last=Welling |first=Stacey |title=Topping 1,149 feet, $550-million Stratosphere shoots for the sky |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/159062248/ |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-06-23 |access-date=2019-07-27 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The hotel included a bronze statue of Stupak, which he disliked and never approved, saying, "They spent $100,000 more for that statue than I spent to open my first place in 1974."<ref name=May01/> Another statue, in the center of the casino, featured a couple riding a dolphin set upon a bronze globe.<ref name=SF/> The Stratosphere had seven restaurants,<ref name=LAT-1996/> and the top of the tower contained two thrill rides.<ref name=Deals/> Stupak said, "Anybody can build a tower. But if you build a tower and put a roller coaster on top—now, that's Las Vegatizing."<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratospheric Conditions//A New Tower's Sky-High Rides, Wedding Chapels and Restaurant Sen Las Vegas' Image Soaring to New Heights. |url=http://www.newslibrary.com/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=1996-05-12 |via=NewsLibrary |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

===Financial problems===
The Stratosphere was projected to attract at least 5.5 million visitors in its first year.<ref name="Figures">{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=It's not tallest, but tower figures to pile up revenue |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/its-not-tallest-but-tower-figures-to-pile-up-reven/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> Around the time of its opening, financial analysts were optimistic about its financial prospects.<ref name=Towers/><ref name=WSJ/> Revenue for the first five weeks was lower than expected. Stratosphere Corporation attributed the low results to the resort being partly unfinished, and said it would borrow $48.5 million from Grand Casinos to finance enhancements to the property, including the completion of the 1,000 additional rooms and the opening of unfinished retail shops.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stratosphere revenues less than predicted |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jun/07/stratosphere-revenues-less-than-predicted/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-06-07 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> The resort's location away from the revitalized downtown and the mega-resorts of the Strip was another reason for its financial problems.<ref name=Hype/>

In addition, customer visitation to the tower was lower than expected, and many people did not stay to gamble in the casino.<ref name=Hype>{{cite news |title=Hype, Hope Aren't Enough : Vegas Tower Fails to Cash In |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-08-22-fi-36702-story.html |access-date=2020-12-11 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-08-22}}</ref> The casino was poorly designed, according to managers,<ref name=IcahnTower/> as visitors to the tower were able to avoid the casino floor entirely.<ref name=Hype/> Berman said that weak marketing was also a factor in the poor revenue.<ref name=Tootall>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=A Too Tall Tale? |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-10-Mon-1997/business/4785528.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020312104043/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-10-Mon-1997/business/4785528.html |archive-date=2002-03-12}}</ref> Because the tower had already received so much publicity, Berman decided that a full marketing campaign was unnecessary.<ref name=WSJ/> In the months after its opening, the resort continued to suffer financially.<ref name=May01/><ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Troubles loom at Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jul/23/troubles-loom-at-stratosphere/ |access-date=2019-07-27 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-07-23}}</ref> The unfinished hotel contained fewer rooms than most Las Vegas resorts, and occupancy was significantly below average for such a property.<ref name=WSJ/> Another issue was that the two rides atop the tower had to be shut down whenever winds reached 35 miles per hour.<ref name=Greenberg/>

Stupak, who had already planned to move on to other projects,<ref name=Silences/> resigned as chairman less than three months after the opening, leaving Berman in charge.<ref name=May01/> Explaining his departure, Stupak cited disagreements with a majority of the board members,<ref>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Stupak has no grand illusions |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2020-12-11 |date=1997-02-10 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> saying that Grand Casinos executives ignored his advice and that he lacked influence considering his job title. Grand Casinos had agreed to keep Stupak as chairman only for the first 90 days after opening; his position was to be evaluated after that.<ref name=WSJ/> Stupak's statue was removed after he resigned<ref name=May01/><ref name=WSJ/><ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere Removes Statue of Founder |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/oct/12/stratosphere-removes-statue-of-founder/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-10-12}}</ref> and displayed in a gambling museum at the [[Tropicana Las Vegas|Tropicana]] hotel-casino.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hawley |first=David |title=Vegas Statue Hunt a Case Study in How Mighty Have Fallen |url=https://nl.newsbank.com |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=2021-08-06 |date=2000-10-30 |url-access=subscription |via=NewsLibrary}}</ref>

In August 1996, [[Leroy's Horse & Sports Place|Leroy's]] established a temporary [[race and sports book]] in an effort to bring in more gamblers.<ref>{{cite news |title=LeRoy's book at Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/aug/13/leroys-book-at-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-08-13}}</ref> The resort's second phase was halted later that month for financial reasons;<ref name=LAT-1996>{{cite news |title=Gaming |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-08-31-fi-39436-story.html |access-date=2020-12-11 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-08-31}}</ref><ref name="Halts">{{cite news |title=Stratosphere halts growth |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/aug/30/stratosphere-halts-growth/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-08-30 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> the additional hotel building consisted of an unfinished 15-story structure of concrete and rebar.<ref name=Retailers/> There had also been plans for a $30 million aquarium attraction, measuring {{convert|80000|sqft|abbr=on}} and set to open in 1997,<ref>{{cite news |title='Tower' puts observation on wheels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/167330411/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=1995-12-24 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere to open in Vegas next month |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/03/14/Stratosphere-to-open-in-Vegas-next-month/4323826779600/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=UPI |date=1996-03-14}}</ref> but this never materialized.<ref name=Retailers/>

Within six months of the opening, stock prices in Grand Casinos and Stratosphere Corporation dropped 50% and 80% respectively,<ref name=WSJ>{{cite news |last=Orwall |first=Bruce |title=Stratosphere's Big Gamble Flops in a Tale of Las Vegas |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB846542433179940000 |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=1996-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ehlers |first=David |title=Wall Street analysts get first-hand look at LV market |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/oct/11/columnist-david-ehlers-wall-street-analysts-get-fi/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-10-11}}</ref> and the resort laid off 400 employees.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Tower's financing in limbo |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/aug/16/towers-financing-in-limbo/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-08-16}}</ref> In an effort to attract more gamblers, the casino began offering favorable odds and returns on its table games and slots.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere's Gambling Odds Will Get a Little Closer to Earth |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-26-fi-47722-story.html |access-date=2020-12-11 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stratosphere offering gamblers a better deal |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2020-12-11 |date=1996-09-30 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The effort was part of a $1.4 million multimedia marketing campaign, and the plan was initially successful.<ref>{{cite news |last=Caruso |first=Monica |title=Stratosphere deals itself winning hand |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2020-12-11 |date=1996-10-02 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=Files>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Stratosphere files bankruptcy |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jan-28-Tue-1997/business/4757843.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020627173519/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jan-28-Tue-1997/business/4757843.html |archive-date=2002-06-27}}</ref> The resort lost $254 million during 1996, but revenue improved during the final three months of the year thanks to the marketing program,<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stratosphere '96 loss tops $254 million |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-20-Thu-1997/business/4897425.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970719142748/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-20-Thu-1997/business/4897425.html |archive-date=1997-07-19}}</ref> which focused on gaming rather than the observation tower.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Two Stratosphere executives resign |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jul/29/two-stratosphere-executives-resign/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-07-29}}</ref> In addition, admission prices for the tower and its rides were reduced. A roller coaster atop the tower was considered underwhelming, and was closed for improvements to make it longer and faster.<ref name=Hype/>

Nevertheless, the Stratosphere continued to struggle. In January 1997, the resort announced that it could no longer afford to honor thousands of prepaid vacation packages.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stratosphere dumps packages |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2020-12-11 |date=1997-01-11 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Stratosphere Corporation filed for [[Chapter 11]] bankruptcy later that month<ref name=Files/> after missing a $14.5 million interest payment to bondholders.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stratosphere deadline quietly passes |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1996-12-17 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stratosphere reorganization talks continue |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1996-12-23 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Under the reorganization plan, the resort continued to operate.<ref name=Files/><ref>{{cite news |title=Tower firm files for bankruptcy |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/jan/28/tower-firm-files-for-bankruptcy/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1997-01-28}}</ref> Existing shares in the company were canceled, and shareholders instead were given the right to buy stock in the company after its restructuring. Shareholders were upset by the plan, and some had already filed a class action lawsuit against Stratosphere Corporation and Grand Casinos, alleging deceit.<ref name=Tootall/><ref>{{cite news |last=Levy |first=Rachael |title=Lawsuit accuses Stratosphere, Stupak of stock fraud |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/aug/06/lawsuit-accuses-stratosphere-stupak-of-stock-fraud/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-08-06}}</ref> In February 1997, people who had bought the vacation packages also sued Stupak and Grand Casinos.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stupak, Grand sued over hotel deals |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2020-12-12 |date=1997-02-22 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Before the bankruptcy filing, Berman had intended to make the resort profitable.<ref name=May01/> Stupak had called Berman "the best casino operator in the world,"<ref name=Problem/><ref name=WSJ/> but later said of Grand Casinos' operation of the resort, "They just weren't up to it."<ref name=May01/> The resort continued to perform poorly during early 1997, in part because of competition with the recently opened [[New York-New York Hotel and Casino|New York-New York]] resort. Rainy and windy weather was another factor, reducing pedestrian traffic to the Stratosphere and interest in the tower's observation deck and roller coaster.<ref>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Cash flow continues poor pace |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Mar-18-Tue-1997/business/5049631.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991130003851/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Mar-18-Tue-1997/business/5049631.html |archive-date=1999-11-30}}</ref> Because of the low revenue, Stratosphere Corporation was removed from the [[NASDAQ]] in April 1997,<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Nasdaq to drop Stratosphere stock |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Apr-03-Thu-1997/business/5141699.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000917213859/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Apr-03-Thu-1997/business/5141699.html |archive-date=2000-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Nasdaq removes Stratosphere listing |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/May-01-Thu-1997/business/5301458.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000916182234/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/May-01-Thu-1997/business/5301458.html |archive-date=2000-09-16}}</ref> though the stock continued to be traded through the [[OTC Bulletin Board]].<ref name=Wilen>{{cite news |last=Wilen |first=John |title=Stratosphere stock is still trading |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/aug/28/stratosphere-stock-is-still-trading/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1998-08-28}}</ref> A new reorganization plan was submitted that would cancel all existing stock, thereby excluding shareholders' right to buy stock in a restructured company.<ref>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Stratosphere investors left high and dry |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jun-21-Sat-1997/business/5590566.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970719184547/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jun-21-Sat-1997/business/5590566.html |archive-date=1997-07-19}}</ref>

===Carl Icahn ownership===
In June 1997, [[corporate raid]]er and businessman [[Carl Icahn]] purchased 20 percent of [[mortgage bond]]s in Stratosphere Corporation,<ref name=IcahnTower>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Icahn could tower over Stratosphere |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jun-27-Fri-1997/business/5620054.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991011084321/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jun-27-Fri-1997/business/5620054.html |archive-date=1999-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Bond play timely for Icahn |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jun-30-Mon-1997/business/5628000.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970720115436/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jun-30-Mon-1997/business/5628000.html |archive-date=1997-07-20}}</ref> while Berman and other investors in Stratosphere Corporation sold off their shares. Grand Casinos remained as the largest shareholder in the resort.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Berman dumps all tower stock |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jul-10-Thu-1997/business/5689882.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991103131638/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jul-10-Thu-1997/business/5689882.html |archive-date=1999-11-03}}</ref> In July 1997, Icahn announced plans to sell shares in his company, [[American Real Estate Partners]], to raise money to purchase the Stratosphere entirely.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Icahn's Stratosphere bid could cost $200 million |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jul-22-Tue-1997/news/5755794.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000917030704/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jul-22-Tue-1997/news/5755794.html |archive-date=2000-09-17}}</ref> Icahn announced a new reorganization plan that was viewed more favorably than the latest one proposed by Grand Casinos. Berman and other board members of Stratosphere Corporation resigned, with Berman saying, "Grand wants to avoid being on the board when proposals such as Icahn's are being reviewed. I think it's difficult when your company has a proposal and another company is offering a better proposal."<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stratosphere board members head to exit |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Aug-01-Fri-1997/business/5816852.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991018194635/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Aug-01-Fri-1997/business/5816852.html |archive-date=1999-10-18}}</ref>

In August 1997, Stupak made a plan to regain control of the Stratosphere by purchasing $1 million in mortgage notes. He also planned to air a half-hour video in which he criticized the board members who resigned, saying, "We have to save the Stratosphere. We have to save the shareholders. You have a duty, a fiduciary duty. I'm reminding you to do this." Stupak went on to say, "They lost more money than I ever heard of. So what did they do? They surrendered. They surrendered and left town." Stupak was also critical of Stratosphere Corporation for refusing to meet with him to discuss his own proposal for reorganization.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stupak kicks off bid to regain tower |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Aug-28-Thu-1997/business/5963918.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010508130911/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Aug-28-Thu-1997/business/5963918.html |archive-date=2001-05-08}}</ref> A day after announcing his video, Stupak decided to shelve its airing, stating that he had already caught people's interest. He said the video was no longer necessary and that the timing no longer felt right.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Stupak shelves TV plea |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Aug-29-Fri-1997/business/5969703.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000918135350/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Aug-29-Fri-1997/business/5969703.html |archive-date=2000-09-18}}</ref> In October 1997, Grand Casinos confirmed that it would have no further involvement in the Stratosphere and its reorganization.<ref>{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Grand, Stratosphere divorce final |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-10-Fri-1997/business/6212346.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000918162923/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-10-Fri-1997/business/6212346.html |archive-date=2000-09-18}}</ref>

[[File:Stratosphere Las Vegas hotel towers in 2017, cropped photo.jpg|thumb|The property's hotel towers in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Property map |url=https://thestrat.com/Map |website=The Strat |access-date=2024-11-16}}</ref> [[c:File:Stratosphere Las Vegas hotel towers in 2017, cropped photo.jpg|See here]] for notes about each structure.]]
The Stratosphere owed $313 million to [[creditor]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Seals |first=Brian |title=Stratosphere creditors coming out of the woodwork |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/may/01/stratosphere-creditors-coming-out-of-the-woodwork/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1998-05-01}}</ref> Icahn's reorganization plan was approved, and Stupak settled the lawsuit concerning vacation packages.<ref>{{cite news |last=Whaley |first=Sean |title=Tower deal near for Icahn |url=http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Feb-27-Fri-1998/business/7040174.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991009053222/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Feb-27-Fri-1998/business/7040174.html |archive-date=1999-10-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Whaley |first=Sean |title=Bankruptcy judge clears way for Icahn to seize Stratosphere |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/May-16-Sat-1998/business/7506943.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991010030908/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/May-16-Sat-1998/business/7506943.html |archive-date=1999-10-10}}</ref> Older shares in the Stratosphere were canceled.<ref name=Wilen/><ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Stratosphere stock rising |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/nov/19/stratosphere-stock-rising/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1997-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Gary |title=Stratosphere stock mystery explained |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/feb/26/stratosphere-stock-mystery-explained/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1998-02-26}}</ref> [[Lakes Gaming]], formerly Grand Casinos, would later settle a lawsuit brought by former Stratosphere shareholders, and the company prevailed in a lawsuit brought by bondholders of the resort.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Lakes Gaming will settle with Stratosphere investors |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-20-Tue-2000/business/13810728.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2000-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010430143850/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-20-Tue-2000/business/13810728.html |archive-date=2001-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Legal fees eat up majority of Stratosphere settlement |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/oct/09/legal-fees-eat-up-majority-of-stratosphere-settlem/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2000-10-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere bondholders lose suit against Lakes |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/apr/05/stratosphere-bondholders-lose-suit-against-lakes/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2001-04-05}}</ref> Icahn's purchase received final approval from the [[Nevada Gaming Commission]] in August 1998,<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Board says Icahn can run casinos |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Aug-06-Thu-1998/business/7982184.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991010023938/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Aug-06-Thu-1998/business/7982184.html |archive-date=1999-10-10}}</ref><ref name=Vogel>{{cite news |last=Vogel |first=Ed |title=Tower Expansion promised |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Aug-21-Fri-1998/business/8070936.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000108160827/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Aug-21-Fri-1998/business/8070936.html |archive-date=2000-01-08}}</ref> and the Stratosphere exited bankruptcy two months later.<ref>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Directors OK deal to take Stratosphere private |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-04-Wed-2000/business/14532474.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2000-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010628071953/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Oct-04-Wed-2000/business/14532474.html |archive-date=2001-06-28}}</ref> Icahn planned $100 million in improvements, including the completion of the additional hotel rooms.<ref name=Vogel/> However, he inherited various lawsuits when he purchased the Stratosphere, and construction would not resume until such issues were resolved.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere tower work remains on hold |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jun/01/stratosphere-tower-work-remains-on-hold/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1999-06-01}}</ref>

In the years after Icahn took over, Stupak sometimes visited the Stratosphere's Top of the World restaurant but was otherwise uninterested in the resort. In 2001, Stupak said that he felt prouder when he opened his earlier casinos on the site in 1974 and 1979. Stupak stated his biggest disappointment with the Stratosphere was not being able to have it built out to 1,825 feet.<ref name=May01/> He said, "I don't want to be the guy who built a tall tower in Las Vegas. I want to be the guy who built the tallest structure in the world."<ref name=NewKind/>

In 1999, ownership switched to American Real Estate Partners, and Icahn remained as the controlling investor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=John G. |title=Icahn announces plans to expand Stratosphere |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Sep-02-Thu-1999/business/11872056.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1999-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010510023214/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Sep-02-Thu-1999/business/11872056.html |archive-date=2001-05-10}}</ref> A new {{convert|5000|sqft|abbr=on}} [[sportsbook]] was added that year.<ref name=Sportsbook/> Revenue saw improvement in 2000, and approximately 8,000 people visited the tower daily. The resort had 2,200 employees.<ref name=At5/>

[[File:SwimmingPoolLVJuly07.jpg|upright|left|thumb|Eighth-floor pool area in 2007]]
Construction of the unfinished hotel tower resumed on April 14, 2000.<ref name=Pounce/> The tower, with 24 stories, was [[Topping out|topped off]] on November 2, 2000.<ref name="Second">{{cite news |title=Second tower at Stratosphere topped off |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/nov/03/second-tower-at-stratosphere-topped-off/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2000-11-03}}</ref> The $65 million project included 1,002 rooms, a {{convert|67000|sqft|abbr=on}} pool and recreation area, and a coffee shop. Excluding the new tower, the hotel had 1,444 rooms. The new project was meant to improve business at the casino and its retail mall, the [[#Tower Shops|Tower Shops]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Second Stratosphere tower topped off; to open next year |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/nov/06/second-stratosphere-tower-topped-off-to-open-next-/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas S |date=2000-11-06}}</ref> The new facilities were opened in mid-2001.<ref>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas Hotel Adding 1,000 Rooms |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-17-tr-11434-story.html |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2001-06-17}}</ref><ref name=DealMaker>{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Deal Maker: Towering image |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-05-Thu-2001/business/16466846.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011125201255/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jul-05-Thu-2001/business/16466846.html |archive-date=2001-11-25}}</ref> The casino floor was brightened and the resort's buffet was expanded as part of the renovation project.<ref name=At5>{{cite news |title=At 5, the Stratosphere is still tall and growing |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/may/04/at-5-the-stratosphere-is-still-tall-and-growing/ |access-date=2020-12-14 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2001-05-04}}</ref>

Icahn planned for the Stratosphere to target value-conscious visitors.<ref name=Pounce>{{cite news |last=Simpson |first=Jeff |title=Icahn ready to pounce if rivals fall |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Apr-17-Mon-2000/business/13387275.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2000-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010712154002/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Apr-17-Mon-2000/business/13387275.html |archive-date=2001-07-12}}</ref><ref name=At5/> Focusing on this demographic, Icahn turned the Stratosphere into a profitable business.<ref name=Eye/> The hotel's room rates were among the lowest for a Las Vegas resort.<ref name=DealMaker/> The casino's poker room was closed in early 2001, as it was not a significant source of revenue, and it conflicted with the renovation plans.<ref>{{cite news |last=Simpson |first=Jeff |title=Stratosphere folds poker room to add more profitable games |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Feb-20-Tue-2001/business/15481408.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020225212331/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Feb-20-Tue-2001/business/15481408.html |archive-date=2002-02-25}}</ref> In 2001, the tower was temporarily closed following the [[September 11 attacks]], out of concern that it could be a target for terrorists.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ritter |first=Ken |title=Nevada goes on heightened alert after air attacks |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/sep/11/nevada-goes-on-heightened-alert-after-air-attacks/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2001-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Berns |first1=Dave |last2=Simpson |first2=Jeff |title=Tone of reports irks casino executive |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-30-Sun-2001/business/17101139.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011003203455/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-30-Sun-2001/business/17101139.html |archive-date=2001-10-03}}</ref>

In 2003, several additions were being considered, including a convention center, a nightclub, and an indoor go-cart track.<ref name=Eye/> In 2004, ownership of the Stratosphere was transferred to Icahn's new company, [[American Casino & Entertainment Properties]] (ACEP). Refurbishments were underway on its sign, [[porte-cochère]], and valet area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Rod |title=Icahn casino reshuffle ending |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/May-26-Wed-2004/business/23961478.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040528224605/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/May-26-Wed-2004/business/23961478.html |archive-date=2004-05-28}}</ref> The resort also opened a topless pool area on the hotel's 25th floor known as Beach Club 25,<ref name=Topless1>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere opens topless pool area |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/oct/20/stratosphere-opens-topless-pool-area/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2004-10-20}}</ref><ref name=Topless2>{{cite news |last=Mihailovich |first=Steven |title=Stratosphere goes topless |url=http://www.lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2004/10/22/news/news11.txt |work=Las Vegas Business Press |date=2004-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041125065122/http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2004/10/22/news/news11.txt |archive-date=2004-11-25 |access-date=2021-12-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> later renamed Radius.<ref name=20Things/> The Beach Club 25 area had previously served as the resort's original pool, until the 2001 renovation. The topless pool concept was introduced to appeal to the Stratosphere's European visitors, and to attract a younger demographic that had become increasingly common in Las Vegas.<ref name=Topless1/><ref name=Topless2/> The topless pool area operates in addition to a separate, non-topless pool on the hotel's eighth floor.<ref name=20Things/>

Like other resorts, the Stratosphere was particularly popular in 2006 and 2007, before the [[2008 financial crisis]].<ref name=LVRJ-2016>{{cite news |last=Wargo |first=Buck |title=Stratosphere, vision of late Bob Stupak, to mark 20th anniversary in Las Vegas |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/stratosphere-vision-of-late-bob-stupak-to-mark-20th-anniversary-in-las-vegas/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2016-04-23}}</ref> A retro-themed nightclub, named Polly Esther's, opened in March 2007. It featured themes based on the past four decades, with memorabilia dating back to the 1970s.<ref>{{cite news |title=John Katsilometes feels the power of the tower as the Stratosphere preps for a 26,000-square-foot club that spans four decades |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/jan/08/john-katsilometes-feels-the-power-of-the-tower-as-/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2007-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Blasts from past to kick off club |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-06-Tue-2007/news/12986889.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316130653/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-06-Tue-2007/news/12986889.html |archive-date=2007-03-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Garza |first=Xazmin |title=Get Nostalgic |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-03-23 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

===2008 sale and renovations===
{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | image1 = Sahara (4068107356).jpg
 | caption1 = The Stratosphere, located up the street from the Sahara (2009)
 | image2 = Stratosphere Las Vegas.jpg
 | image3 = Stratosphere casino floor, 2015.jpg
 | caption3 = Casino floor after the 2010 renovation
}}
In April 2007, Icahn announced that he would sell ACEP and its properties, including the Stratosphere, to a [[Goldman Sachs]] affiliate known as Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds. The sale included 17 acres of adjacent, undeveloped land.<ref>{{cite news |title=Icahn sells Southern Nevada casinos |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/icahn-sells-southern-nevada-casinos/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Deal with sky-high potential |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/deal-with-sky-high-potential/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-04-29}}</ref> Whitehall completed its purchase in February 2008,<ref>{{cite news |title=Sale of Stratosphere parent now complete |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/in-brief-2728/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2008-02-22}}</ref> and the company planned to spend $25 million on improvements to the Stratosphere.<ref>{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=The back story on a pair of leveraged buyouts |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/gaming/2008/jan/10/back-story-pair-leveraged-buyouts/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2008-01-10}}</ref>

Many managers were fired and replaced under the new ownership, despite earlier assurances that such jobs would be safe from termination. Some employees complained about the firing of their managers, which occurred following the [[2008 financial crisis]] in the United States. Other employees stated that the fired managers were inept or stealing money from the casino, and that they showed favoritism among workers. Under the new ownership, employees were given stricter work guidelines to follow, which was met with mixed reactions from workers and gamblers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=It's a new day at the Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/25/its-new-day-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2008-10-25}}</ref> Polly Esther's closed at the end of 2008.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Male revue takes G-strings to new venue |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/male-revue-takes-g-strings-to-new-venue/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2009-01-09}}</ref> As a result of the ensuing [[Great Recession]], the Stratosphere laid off workers in 2009,<ref>{{cite news |last=Finnegan |first=Amanda |title=Stratosphere to lay off workers, halt pay increases |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/04/stratosphere-owner-lay-workers-halt-pay-increases/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2009-03-04}}</ref> and continued to struggle into 2010.<ref name=SkyJump/>

A $20 million renovation project began in 2010. Improvements were made to the casino, the main entrance, the Top of the World restaurant, and other areas.<ref name=Undergoes/><ref name=SkyJump>{{cite web|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/skyjump-renovations-seen-as-boost-for-stratosphere-parent/ |title=SkyJump, renovations seen as boost for Stratosphere parent |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2010-05-12 |access-date=2020-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2011/1/14/92236/5315/vegas-travel/The+Stratosphere+Has+Pretty+New+Rooms+with+a+View+of+the+Fontaine-Bust |title=Things To Do In Las Vegas - Attractions & Travel Guide - Condé Nast Traveler |website=Vegaschatter.com |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sylvester |first=Ron |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765567867/Stratosphere-renovations-give-Vegas-icon-new-mojo.html?pg=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113184637/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765567867/Stratosphere-renovations-give-Vegas-icon-new-mojo.html?pg=all |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |title=Stratosphere renovations give Vegas icon new mojo |publisher=Deseret News |date=2012-04-11 |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Warren Mason |url=http://mylifemagazine.com/the-new-stratosphere |title=The 'New' Stratosphere |website=Mylifemagazine.com |access-date=2016-03-12 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305201657/http://mylifemagazine.com/the-new-stratosphere |url-status=dead }}</ref> A major aspect of the project was the renovation of 909 hotel rooms, out of 2,427.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Reiley |first=Tim |title=Stratosphere owners tout $20 million makeover |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/stratosphere-owners-tout-20-million-makeover/ |access-date=2020-12-16 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2011-01-14}}</ref><ref name=LA-2010>{{cite news |title=Heightened Expectations |url=https://www.latimes.com/shopping/la-mkt-vegas-heightenedexpectations-12022010-story.html |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2010-11-29}}</ref> Other renovations continued into 2012,<ref name=Beacon>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=New-and-improved Stratosphere is a beacon of noble risk-taking |url=http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2012/apr/06/new-and-improved-stratosphere-beacon-noble-risk-ta/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2012-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409235421/http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2012/apr/06/new-and-improved-stratosphere-beacon-noble-risk-ta/ |archive-date=2012-04-09}}</ref> and included the addition of a new poker room.<ref name=Revamped/>

For years, the Stratosphere sat alone as the sole resort in the area. The only other nearby resort, the [[Sahara Las Vegas|Sahara]], closed in 2011, causing a significant drop in pedestrian traffic for the Stratosphere. However, the Sahara reopened as the SLS Las Vegas in 2014, and the Stratosphere was expected to benefit from the increased visitation in the area.<ref name=Identity>{{cite news |last=Friess |first=Steve |title=With the Sahara closing, the Stratosphere faces an identity crisis |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/mar/30/stratosphere-high-dry/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2011-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Stratosphere has high hopes for its new neighbor SLS |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/jul/13/stratosphere-has-high-hopes-its-new-neighbor/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2014-07-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Once down on its luck, Vegas' North Strip is coming back |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/once-down-on-its-luck-vegas-north-strip-is-coming-back/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2015-02-21}}</ref> A British man became the 40 millionth visitor to the tower on April 21, 2014, and received a $2,500 prize package.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere Tower welcomes its 40 millionth visitor |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/apr/21/stratosphere-tower-welcomes-its-40-millionth-visit/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2014-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Stratosphere Tower welcomes 40 millionth visitor |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/stratosphere-tower-welcomes-40-millionth-visitor/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas: Stratosphere welcomes visitor No. 40 million |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-las-vegas-stratosphere-40-million-visitors-20140421-story.html |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2014-04-22}}</ref> In September 2014, a man, under the influence of drugs, crashed his pickup truck through the resort's front entrance and was arrested.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Truck barrels through Stratosphere front entrance |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2014/sep/10/pickup-truck-barrels-through-stratosphere-front-en/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2014-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Usufzy |first=Pashtana |title=Police: Man who crashed into Stratosphere wanted to jump |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/sep/11/motorist-stratosphere-crash-accused-drugged-drivin/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2014-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Questions emerge after driver freed in Stratosphere crash commits suicide |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/sep/18/driver-freed-stratosphere-crash-commits-suicide/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |agency=Associated Press |date=2014-09-18}}</ref>

In 2015, the Stratosphere launched an advertising campaign targeting its middle-class clientele, while criticizing high-priced Strip resorts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pierceall |first=Kimberly |title=Las Vegas Strip too snooty? Stratosphere ad campaign says so |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/feb/09/las-vegas-strip-too-snooty-stratosphere-ad-campaig/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |agency=Associated Press |date=2015-02-09}}</ref> The Stratosphere celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016.<ref name=LVRJ-2016/><ref>{{cite news |last=Kelemen |first=Matt |title=The sky's the limit: Stratosphere toasts to 20 years |url=https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2016/apr/29/stratosphere-las-vegas-celebrates-20-years/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |work=Las Vegas Magazine |date=2016-04-29}}</ref><ref name=Aging/> At the time, the resort had 1,600 employees. Most of its clientele consisted of tourists from southern California, as well as international locations such as Canada, Germany, and Great Britain. The resort's gaming revenue had yet to fully recover from the effects of the Great Recession, although other aspects of the property performed well.<ref name=LVRJ-2016/>

===Golden Entertainment===
In June 2017, [[Golden Entertainment]] agreed to purchase ACEP.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iconic Stratosphere casino in Las Vegas changes hands|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/iconic-stratosphere-casino-in-las-vegas-changes-hands/2017/06/12/e53e3f58-4fa2-11e7-b74e-0d2785d3083d_story.html|access-date=2017-06-12|newspaper=The Washington Post|agency=Associated Press|date=2017-06-22}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Golden Entertainment's $850 million purchase of the company, including the Stratosphere, was completed in October 2017.<ref name="reviewjournal.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/golden-closes-on-850m-deal-for-stratosphere-3-other-casinos/|title=Golden closes on $850M deal for Stratosphere, 3 other casinos|date=23 October 2017|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=31 December 2017}}</ref> In March 2018, Golden Entertainment announced plans for a $140 million renovation of the Stratosphere that would be completed over three phases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/golden-entertainment-to-invest-140m-in-stratosphere/|title=Golden Entertainment to invest $140M in Stratosphere|date=15 March 2018|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> According to management, some people were unaware that the Stratosphere was a resort, believing it to be merely an observation tower. The renovations were aimed at raising awareness of the resort amenities. Renovations were underway later in 2018. A new gaming pit was debuted, and 300 rooms were renovated, among other changes.<ref name=Feldberg/>

On February 1, 2019, plans were announced to rename the resort as The Strat,<ref name="Press">{{cite web |title=Golden Entertainment, Inc. Announces Stratosphere Rebrand to 'The STRAT' |url=https://www.stratospherehotel.com/Flyers/Press/2019-Press-Releases/Golden-Entertainment-Inc.-Announces-Stratosphere-Rebrand-to-The-STRAT |publisher=Golden Entertainment |access-date=2019-02-09 |date=2019-02-04|quote=On Sunday, Feb. 3, the Stratosphere, Casino, Hotel & Tower began its transition to The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod […].}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Prince |first=Todd |title=Stratosphere in Las Vegas to rebrand to The STRAT |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/stratosphere-in-las-vegas-to-rebrand-to-the-strat-1587571/ |access-date=February 2, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 1, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Philly">{{cite news |title=Stratosphere casino-hotel in Las Vegas to be renamed |url=http://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/stratosphere-vegas-the-strat-casino-skypod-20190202.html |access-date=February 2, 2019 |work=[[Philly.com]] |agency=Associated Press |date=February 1, 2019}}</ref> a common nickname among local residents.<ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The Stratosphere is rebranding to the STRAT |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/feb/02/stratosphere-rebranding-the-strat/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2019-02-02}}</ref> The transition to The Strat began with two commercials aired locally two days later, during [[Super Bowl LIII]].<ref name=Philly/><ref name="Klas">{{cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Justin |title=Goodbye Stratosphere, hello Strat |url=https://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/local-news/goodbye-stratosphere-hello-strat/1761737195 |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=KLAS-TV |date=2019-02-07}}</ref> The name change would become official at a later date.<ref name=Klas/>

A three-piece statue, created by local artists, was installed at the resort's front entrance in April 2019. The statue consists of three stainless steel figures staring at the tower. They range in height from nine to 15 feet, with the tallest one pointing at the tower. [[Blake Sartini]], the chairman and CEO of Golden Entertainment, said the statue was a symbol of the resort's new branding.<ref>{{cite news |last=Karel |first=Janna |title='Look!' Strat installs local art piece on Las Vegas Boulevard |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/look-strat-installs-local-art-piece-on-las-vegas-boulevard-1644501/ |access-date=2019-12-06 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2019-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Seeman |first=Matthew |title=New sculpture unveiled outside entrance to The STRAT |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/new-sculpture-unveiled-outside-entrance-to-the-strat |access-date=2019-12-06 |work=KSNV |date=2019-04-19}}</ref>

[[File:Strat hotel (2020).jpg|left|thumb|The Strat's main entrance in April 2020 during its temporary [[COVID-19]] closure]]
Two areas for live entertainment – one on the casino floor and one in the former space of a lounge – were being added in June 2019,<ref name="Kat2019">{{cite news|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/the-new-strat-still-says-were-part-of-the-las-vegas-strip-1696101/|title=The new Strat still says, 'We're part of the Las Vegas Strip'|last=Katsilometes|first=John|date=2019-06-26|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=2019-07-26}}</ref> along with a new slot machine lounge.<ref name="Schulz">{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=STRAT updates bring competition for north Las Vegas Strip, analysts say |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/strat-updates-bring-competition-for-north-las-vegas-strip-analysts-say-1760495/ |access-date=2019-07-27 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2019-07-19}}</ref> "STRAT" signage was installed in August 2019,<ref>{{cite news |title=Hooters Hotel sold, Strat new marquee on display |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/hooters-hotel-sold-strat-new-marquee-on-display/ |access-date=2019-08-27 |work=KLAS |date=2019-08-26 |at=1:15}}</ref> and renovations on the south end of the casino floor were completed that year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Horwath |first=Bryan |title=New Strat boss has high hopes for property's new vibe, north Strip |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/gaming/2019/nov/20/former-caesars-exec-hopes-stickiness-strat-leads/ |access-date=2019-11-30 |work=VegasInc |date=2019-11-20}}</ref> Other renovations have included the resort's exterior and landscaping.<ref name=Velotta>{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Golden Entertainment hopes renovations of The Strat boost earnings |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/golden-entertainment-hopes-renovations-of-the-strat-boost-earnings-1887936/ |access-date=2019-11-30 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2019-11-07}}</ref> The Strat also installed [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drone]] detection technology, alerting the property whenever illegal drones are flown near the tower.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pretty |first=Ted |title=The Strat uses new drone detection technology on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/local/the-strat-uses-new-drone-detection-technology-on-las-vegas/article_8817f640-00d3-11ea-98db-171fe42e7cdb.html |access-date=2019-11-30 |work=KVVU |date=2019-11-13}}</ref>

The resort was officially renamed The Strat during a celebration held on January 22, 2020. Among the attendees to the event were Nevada governor [[Steve Sisolak]], congresswoman [[Dina Titus]], [[Sammy Hagar]], [[Guy Fieri]], and [[Rick Springfield]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sammy Hagar, Rick Springfield celebrate reinvention of The STRAT |url=https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/rock-icon-sammy-hagar-and-rick-springfield-celebrate-reinvention-of-the-strat |access-date=2020-01-24 |work=KTNV |date=2020-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Cody |title=Sammy Hagar, Rick Springfield join Governor Sisolak for reopening of The STRAT |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/sammy-hagar-rick-springfield-join-governor-sisolak-for-reopening-of-the-strat |access-date=2020-01-24 |work=KSNV |date=2020-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mancini |first=Al |title=Sammy Hagar to be guest bartender at The Strat on Jan. 22 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/sammy-hagar-to-be-guest-bartender-at-the-strat-on-jan-22-1932810/ |access-date=2020-01-24 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2020-01-10}}</ref> Renovations were largely finished at the time, with the exception of a self-check-in area and remodeling that was scheduled to begin on the casino's north side during the second quarter of 2020. Half of the resort's 2,427 hotel rooms had been remodeled, and future renovations would also take place on the remaining rooms. The {{convert|80000|sqft|abbr=on}} casino, considered dark before, was remodeled with a new color scheme and an open layout. A new [[William Hill (bookmaker)|William Hill]] sports book was also added.<ref name=Schulz2>{{cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |title=Strat's $100M renovation project nears completion |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/strats-100m-renovation-project-nears-completion-1940283/ |access-date=2020-01-14 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2020-01-21}}</ref>

The renovations, including four new restaurants, were designed to retain customers who usually only visited the pod area.<ref name=Klas/><ref name=Schulz2/> The renovation was also intended to help the property compete against nearby rivals, including the renovated [[Sahara Las Vegas|Sahara]] and two upcoming properties: [[Resorts World Las Vegas|Resorts World]] (2021) and [[Fontainebleau Las Vegas|Fontainebleau]] (2023).<ref name=Schulz/> Another renovation, focusing on 537 rooms and the pool area, was completed in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Strat completes room renovations ahead of F1, Super Bowl |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/strat-completes-room-renovations-ahead-of-f1-super-bowl-2880124/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2023-07-31}}</ref>

==Property overview==
[[File:Over LV - panoramio.jpg|thumb|left|The Stratosphere in 2004, with the Strip visible in the upper right half]]
The hotel and casino facilities are located at the base of the [[observation tower]].<ref name=Breakfast/> The Strat's location, in regard to the Las Vegas Strip, has been debated.<ref name=LA-2018>{{cite news |last=Montero |first=David |title=Even in a city built on illusion, the Stratosphere is having a tough time proving it's on the Vegas Strip |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-vegas-strip-boundary-20181214-story.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2018-12-14}}</ref><ref name=Miller2019>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Cody |title=Newly rebranded Strip resort's slogan sparks Las Vegas debate |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/newly-rebranded-strip-resorts-slogan-sparks-las-vegas-debate |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=KSNV |date=2019-07-03}}</ref> Although the Stratosphere was considered north of the Strip at the time of its 1996 opening, it advertised itself as being on the Strip, with the slogan, "We define the top of the Strip."<ref name=North/> Frank Riolo, the CEO of AREP, said in 2011, "It's not Downtown, it's not the Strip and it's not a locals property. We try to run it as a hybrid."<ref name=Identity/>

Tourists and some local residents consider the Strat to be part of the Strip, which would make it the only Strip resort within city limits.<ref name=LA-2018/><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Debating the Stratosphere's Strip-ness is like trying to define Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/column/incidental-tourist/2018/jan/11/debating-the-stratospheres-strip-ness/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2018-01-11}}</ref> However, [[Clark County, Nevada|Clark County]] considers the Strat to be several blocks north of the Strip. According to the county, the Strip does not officially extend into city limits. Golden Entertainment nonetheless advertises the resort as a Strip property,<ref name=Kat2019/><ref name=LA-2018/><ref name=Miller2019/> as did its predecessor, Stratosphere builder [[Bob Stupak]].<ref>{{cite news |title=How did the Las Vegas Strip get its iconic name? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/the-strip/how-did-the-las-vegas-strip-get-its-iconic-name-2979248/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Observation tower===
[[File:Western-towers.png|thumb|upright|• [[CN Tower]], Toronto<br />• [[Willis Tower]] (formerly Sears), Chicago<br />• Stratosphere, Las Vegas<br />• [[Space Needle]], Seattle]]
The resort was named after the [[stratosphere]] in [[Earth's atmosphere]], as a reference to the height of the tower.<ref name=Pane>{{cite news |last=Levitan |first=Corey |title=Dangling in the Sky: Pane and Suffering |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-02-Mon-2006/living/5044987.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2006-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107070111/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-02-Mon-2006/living/5044987.html |archive-date=2006-11-07}}</ref> At {{convert|1149|ft|abbr=on}}, it is the tallest [[List of tallest towers in the world|freestanding observation tower]] in the United States,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills/|title=- Big Shot Stratosphere Tower Rides|year=2011|publisher=Las Vegas Amusement Parks|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-date=26 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626225049/http://www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the second-tallest in the [[Western Hemisphere]], surpassed only by the [[CN Tower]] in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]]. It is the tallest tower west of the [[Mississippi River]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere Tower to give Las Vegas tall bragging rights |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/169878016/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=1995-10-01 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=Eye>{{cite news |last=Benston |first=Liz |title=Stratosphere execs eye new features for resort |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/aug/25/stratosphere-execs-eye-new-features-for-resort/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2003-08-25}}</ref> and also the [[List of tallest buildings in Las Vegas|tallest structure in Las Vegas]] and [[List of tallest buildings in Nevada|in the state of Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/122231/stratosphere-tower-las-vegas-nv-usa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514115411/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/122231/stratosphere-tower-las-vegas-nv-usa |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 14, 2015 |title=Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas |publisher=Emporis |access-date=2017-01-15}}</ref> Because the tower is not fully habitable, it is not considered a building,<ref>{{cite news |title=Question of the Day |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/vegas-tallest-buildings-lowest-highest-elevation/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Advisor |date=2017-11-14 |quote=It's the tallest observation tower in the U.S., but through some quirk of definition, it's not a "building" because it's not fully habitable. Thus, second-place Fontainebleau (735 feet) is actually the tallest ''building'' in southern Nevada [...]}}</ref> according to the [[Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Question of the Day |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/tallest-building-wilshire-grand-center-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Advisor |date=2017-07-22}}</ref> Because of its visibility, the tower serves as a visual aid for some motorists in the Las Vegas Valley.<ref name=20Things/><ref name=Feldberg/> The tower also presents problems for air traffic controllers, who have to guide certain planes to avoid the structure.<ref name=FAA>{{cite news |title=FAA: Planes can't fly these crowded skies |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/faa-planes-cant-fly-these-crowded-skies/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2008-09-30}}</ref>

The tower is a popular draw for tourists,<ref name=LVRJ-2016/> and is a notable part of the Las Vegas skyline.<ref name=Legacy/><ref name=Pane/> The top of the tower has two [[observation deck]]s and a restaurant known as "Top of the World", in addition to lounges,<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere changes restaurant lineup |url=http://viewnews.com/2006/VIEW-Feb-01-Wed-2006/East/5561394.html |work=Sunrise View |date=2006-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061024212245/http://viewnews.com/2006/VIEW-Feb-01-Wed-2006/East/5561394.html |archive-date=2006-10-24}}</ref><ref name=Undergoes>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere undergoes $20 million renovation |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jan/13/stratosphere-undergoes-20-million-renovation/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2011-01-13}}</ref><ref name=LA-2010/><ref name=Revamped>{{cite news |last=Sylvester |first=Ron |title=Revamped look has the Stratosphere standing taller these days |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/apr/06/revamped-look-has-stratosphere-standing-taller-the/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2012-04-06}}</ref> four thrill rides,<ref>{{cite news |last=Friess |first=Steve |title=Stratosphere's other big shot |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/sep/29/stratospheres-other-big-shot/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2010-09-29}}</ref> and a wedding chapel.<ref name=20Things/><ref>{{cite web |last=Kachelriess |first=Rob |title=25 Great Las Vegas Dates To Go On Right Now |url=https://www.thrillist.com/sex-dating/las-vegas/best-date-ideas-las-vegas |website=Thrillist |access-date=2020-12-22 |date=2020-09-30}}</ref> An indoor observation deck is located on the 108th floor, while stairs lead to an outdoor deck on the 109th floor, both providing wraparound views of the Las Vegas Valley. The indoor deck was remodeled in 2019.<ref name="KTNV">{{cite news |last=Dinant |first=Jason |title=Remodeled STRAT observation deck debuts |url=https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/dining-and-entertainment/remodeled-strat-observation-deck-debuts |access-date=2019-07-26 |work=KTNV |date=2019-07-22}}</ref>

The tower elevators, among the fastest in the world, travel at a speed of {{Convert|1800|ft/min|m/s}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=In Pictures: The World's Fastest Elevators |url=https://www.forbes.com/2007/10/01/elevators-economics-construction-biz-logistics-cx_rm_tvr_1001elevators_slides.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Forbes |date=2007-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Abby |title=These Are The Fastest Elevators In The World |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/fastest-elevators-2011-9 |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Business Insider |date=2011-09-30}}</ref> The tower also includes 1,455 steps leading up to the 108th floor, which rises {{Convert|855|ft|adj=on}}.<ref name=20Things>{{cite news |last=Lilly |first=Caitlyn |title=20 things to know about the Stratosphere as it turns 20 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/20-things-to-know-about-the-stratosphere-as-it-turns-20/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2016-04-28}}</ref> Since 2009, the tower has hosted a fundraising event called Scale the Strat, which benefits the [[American Lung Association]]. Hundreds of people compete each year in the stair-racing event, in which individual participants race to the top of the tower for the best time, separated from each other by one-minute intervals.<ref>Retrieved 2020-12-22:{{ubl 
|{{cite news |last=Carrasco |first=Mytae |title=Climbers 'Scale the Strat' one step at a time |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/21/climbers-scale-strat-one-step-time/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2009-02-21}}
|{{cite news |last=Carrasco |first=Mytae |title=Washington man wins 'Scale the Strat' fundraiser |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/22/washington-man-nets-win-day-two-scale-strat/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2009-02-22}}
|{{cite news |last=Feldberg |first=Sarah |title=Stair-climb the Stratosphere for charity |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/feb/29/stair-climb-stratosphere-charity/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2012-02-29}}
|{{cite news |last=Sylvester |first=Ron |title=Scale the Strat charity event climbs in popularity |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/dec/27/scale-strat-charity-event-climbs-popularity/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2012-12-27}}
|{{cite news |last=Feldberg |first=Sarah |title=For Scale the Strat climbers, it's 1,455 stairs or bust |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-see-it/2013/feb/26/scale-strat-climbers-its-1455-stairs/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2013-02-26}}
|{{cite news |last=Kantowski |first=Ron |title=Scale the Strat? No, thanks, I'll see you by the elevator |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/sports-columns/ron-kantowski/scale-the-strat-no-thanks-ill-see-you-by-the-elevator/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-03-03}}
}}</ref> Aside from the races, the stairs are otherwise closed to the public.<ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=Scale the Strat a big event for lung association |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/health/scale-the-strat-a-big-event-for-lung-association/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2013-02-24}}</ref>[[File:Vegas Strip viewed from the STRAT.jpg|thumb|288x288px|The [[Las Vegas Strip]] as viewed from the Strat observation tower, 2025|left]]
The tower cost $70 million to construct.<ref name=Mean/> It weighs approximately 50,000 tons and has nearly {{Convert|290|mi|adj=}} of reinforced steel bars.<ref name=Klein>{{cite news |last=Klein |first=Alec Matthew |title=Spicing up fun with a little terror |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1996-05-29-1996150097-story.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=1996-05-29}}</ref><ref name=SF/> The tower's pod includes the restaurant and contains 12 stories. The exterior of the pod has one and a half miles of criss-crossed [[fiber-optic cable]] with lights which alternate between eight different colors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Calkins |first=Alison |title=Diamond image helped designer see the light |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/diamond-image-helped-designer-see-the-light/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref> A {{Convert|149|ft|adj=on}} needle<ref name=SF/> located on top of the pod consists of a {{Convert|5|sqft|adj=on}} steel-beam frame with an internal ladder. Atop the needle frame are two four-inch beams which are laid out horizontally to form an "X".<ref name=Build/> A special rig for window washers is situated around the pod windows.<ref name=Pane/> In 2005, local jazz station [[KOAS|KOAS 105.7 (FM)]] installed an antenna at the top of the tower, becoming the first station to do so.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Barrymore hits sour note with guests |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-02-Sat-2005/news/26206052.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130054320/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-02-Sat-2005/news/26206052.html |archive-date=2005-11-30}}</ref> [[KCYE|KVGS 107.9 (FM)]] also has an antenna atop the tower.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fybush |first=Scott |title=Site of the Week 7/20/18: The Stratosphere, Las Vegas |url=https://www.fybush.com/site-20180720/ |website=Fybush |access-date=2020-12-22 |date=2018-07-20}}</ref>[[File:Stratosphere by night.jpg|thumb|upright|The tower pod and needle at night]]
During the design and construction phase, four fire inspectors were assigned to the project to ensure that it would be fire-safe. The tower was built with three emergency generators.<ref name=Mosley>{{cite web |last=Mosley |first=Darrol |title=The Stratosphere Tower |url=https://www.firehouse.com/home/news/10544018/the-stratosphere-tower |website=Firehouse.com |access-date=2021-08-06 |date=1996-08-31}}</ref> At the time of opening, the pod included two concrete-banded bunker floors, located beneath its three wedding chapels.<ref name=SF/> The bunker was built on the two lowest floors of the pod, as smoke rises. In the case of a fire, the tower's elevators would be used for evacuation of the pod, unlike most buildings in which stairs would be used instead.<ref name=Mosley/>

The base of the tower starts with three legs made of concrete, each weighing approximately {{Convert|4000000|lb}} and rising {{Convert|264|ft}}, before meeting to form a center. From there, the tower rises further before reaching the start of the pod, at approximately {{Convert|775|ft}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere Tower Rising in Las Vegas |url=https://www.djc.com/news/const/10001046.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Daily Journal of Commerce |date=1995-08-04}}</ref> The east tower leg was reportedly built at a crooked angle, due to a measurement mix-up.<ref name=WSJ/><ref name=5Things/> Two decades after its opening, a resort executive said, "We didn't own the property when it was built, and cannot verify this." He noted that an engineering firm made periodic inspections to ensure structural integrity.<ref name=5Things>{{cite news |last=DeSilva |first=Kristen |title=5 things you didn't know about the Stratosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2015-05-13}}</ref>

During its construction, the tower won several negative awards from the ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'', which named it as the "Las Vegas event you are tired of hearing about," the "worst Las Vegas eyesore," and the "community's biggest embarrassment."<ref>{{cite news |last=Marcotty |first=Josephine |title=Rolling the dice |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/193861442/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Star Tribune |date=1994-03-28 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> It was also voted worst casino theme in 1997, and worst attraction four years later.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grimes |first=Stephanie |title=The 5 worst attractions in Las Vegas history |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/the-5-worst-attractions-in-las-vegas-history/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-09-05}}</ref> In 2006, readers of the newspaper named the Stratosphere as the ugliest building in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & tower |url=https://www.library.unlv.edu/speccol/archdb2/index.php/projects/view/994 |website=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |access-date=2020-12-22 |archive-date=2021-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518200245/https://www.library.unlv.edu/speccol/archdb2/index.php/projects/view/994 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Five people, bypassing security measures, have committed suicide by jumping from the tower's observation area, between 2000 and 2007.<ref>{{ubl
|{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Jace |title=Man jumps from Stratosphere Tower |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jan/07/man-jumps-from-stratosphere-tower/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2000-01-07}}
|{{cite news |title=Boy, 16, jumps from Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/15/boy-16-jumps-from-stratosphere/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2002-07-15}}
|{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Tragedy follows 'Elvis' show work |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-30-Wed-2005/news/26180561.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130013343/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-30-Wed-2005/news/26180561.html |archive-date=2005-11-30}}
|{{cite news |title=Stratosphere Jump: Investigation confirms woman killed herself |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-13-Wed-2005/news/26280890.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130010319/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-13-Wed-2005/news/26280890.html |archive-date=2005-11-30}}
|{{cite news |title=Man jumps from Stratosphere tower |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-08-Wed-2006/news/5774712.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2006-02-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701202058/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-08-Wed-2006/news/5774712.html |archive-date=2007-07-01}}
|{{cite news |title=Man killed in jump from Stratosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/in-brief-3294/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-05-07 |access-date=2019-02-09}}
}}</ref> Additional suicides from jumping occurred in 2014 and 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Slivka |first=Steven |title=Police investigate possible suicide near Stratosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/police-investigate-possible-suicide-near-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Porter |first=Annalise |title=Coroner identifies man reported to have jumped from Stratosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/coroner-identifies-man-reported-to-have-jumped-from-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ford |first=Alexis |date=2021-09-29|title=Man dies after jumping from The Strat|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/man-dies-after-jumping-from-the-strat-2450103/|access-date=2021-10-03|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Attractions===
{{multiple image
 | total_width = 350
 | image1 = Stratosphere-Tower-Plattform.jpg
| caption1 = Rides at the top of the tower pod, 2005
 | image2 = Insanity ride in motion.jpg
 | caption2 = [[Insanity (ride)|Insanity]] ride in 2021
}}
Rides at the Strat include:
*[[Big Shot (ride)|Big Shot]], opened along with the resort in 1996.<ref name=Klein/><ref name=NewKind>{{cite news |title=For Las Vegas, a New Kind of High Roller |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-04-29-mn-63927-story.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-04-29}}</ref><ref name=Deals>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas Deals Some of Its Fun Away From Tables |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-19-ca-5759-story.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=Feel the G-Forces |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/feel-the-g-forces/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2007-06-03}}</ref> The ride travels up and down the tower's needle. At {{convert|1081|ft|abbr=on}}, it was the highest [[Amusement ride|thrill ride]] in the world until the Sky Drop opened on the [[Canton Tower]] at {{convert|1591|ft|abbr=on}}.
*[[X-Scream]], opened in 2003. At {{convert|866|ft|abbr=on}}, it is the fourth highest thrill ride in the world. It consists of a single car that rolls back and forth on a straight piece of track that slightly overhangs the tower and pivots vertically in a [[see-saw]] motion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Chris |title=For Stratosphere, X marks the shot |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jun-20-Fri-2003/business/21568520.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2003-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041208183922/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jun-20-Fri-2003/business/21568520.html |archive-date=2004-12-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A ride rises on Las Vegas Boulevard |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/oct/14/a-ride-rises-on-las-vegas-boulevard/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2003-10-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mihailovich |first=Steven |title=Stratosphere screams for growth |url=http://www.lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2003/11/07/news/news01scream.txt |work=Las Vegas Business Press |date=2003-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031205095337/http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2003/11/07/news/news01scream.txt |archive-date=2003-12-05 |access-date=2021-12-16 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=Assignment: X Scream |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Nov-04-Tue-2003/living/22495019.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2003-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050313033509/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Nov-04-Tue-2003/living/22495019.html |archive-date=2005-03-13}}</ref>
*[[Insanity (ride)|Insanity]], opened in 2005. At {{convert|900|ft|abbr=on}} is the third highest thrill ride in the world; it dangles riders over the edge of the tower and then spins in a circular pattern at approximately {{Convert|40|mph}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stutz |first=Howard |title=Stratosphere's latest act of thrill |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-18-Thu-2004/business/25290829.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041120044222/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-18-Thu-2004/business/25290829.html |archive-date=2004-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=Not for the Meek: Going Insane |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-17-Thu-2005/living/26052603.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050427053355/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-17-Thu-2005/living/26052603.html |archive-date=2005-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Terry |first=Kira |title='Insanity' on Stratosphere makes CNN's 'daredevil' list |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/insanity-on-stratosphere-makes-cnns-daredevil-list/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-03-19}}</ref> In an incident shortly after opening, riders were left dangling several hundred feet for nearly an hour and a half when Insanity shut down; it was programmed to cease operation if a fault or problem is detected by the ride's control system. Strong winds caused the system to trigger the emergency stop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-21-Thu-2005/news/26341046.html |last=Rogers |first=Keith |title=Teen, cousin suffer night of Insanity |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050423181225/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-21-Thu-2005/news/26341046.html |archive-date=2005-04-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Keith |title=Fearful Conversations: Daughter's call frightened father |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-22-Fri-2005/news/26350053.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051205054140/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-22-Fri-2005/news/26350053.html |archive-date=2005-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Geary |first=Frank |title=Insanity rides again after inspection finds it safe |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-04-23 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
*[[SkyJump Las Vegas]], opened in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last=Winder |first=Carl |title=He's Sky Master at the Vegas Stratosphere: 'I throw people off' |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-xpm-2013-may-18-la-na-nn-sky-master-las-vegas-stratosphere-20130517-story.html |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2013-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere debuts world record-setting thrill ride |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/20/stratosphere-debuts-world-record-setting-thrill-ri/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2010-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere takes new leap with thrill ride |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/stratosphere-takes-new-leap-with-thrill-ride/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2010-04-21}}</ref> SkyJump is a controlled-descent, [[bungee jumping]]-like ride that allows riders to plummet {{convert|855|ft|abbr=on}} attached to a high-speed descent wire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aaavegas.com/attractions/the-stratosphere-las-vegas-hotel-casino-to-add-worlds-highest-skyjump%E2%80%9D-to-their-collection-of-thrills/2010/01/11 |title=The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino To Add World's Highest "Skyjump" To Their Collection Of Thrills &#124; AccessVegas.com Las Vegas News |website=Aaavegas.com |date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref> SkyJump had its 100,000th rider in 2013,<ref>{{cite news |last=Padgett |first=Sonya |title=Stratosphere's SkyJump marks milestone |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/shows/stratospheres-skyjump-marks-milestone/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2013-02-22}}</ref> and its 200,000th in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thrills and prizes are in store when SkyJump celebrates 200,000 jumpers |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/lasvegasnow/la-tr-lvn-las-vegas-attractions-skyjump-20150818-story.html |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2015-08-19}}</ref>

A previous ride, a roller coaster called the [[High Roller (Stratosphere)|High Roller]], opened with the resort in 1996. It rode around the top of the tower pod.<ref>{{cite news |title=Two wheels fall off Tower roller coaster |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/dec/27/two-wheels-fall-off-tower-roller-coaster/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-12-27}}</ref><ref name=Twist>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Hubble |title=One Final Twist |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-29-Thu-2005/business/5093345.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2005-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051231054426/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-29-Thu-2005/business/5093345.html |archive-date=2005-12-31}}</ref> It closed on December 30, 2005, and was dismantled.<ref name=LVM/> The ride was considered underwhelming and was poorly received in comparison to the other rides. However, it was a financial success and attracted nearly 4 million riders by the time of its closure.<ref name=Twist/><ref>{{cite news |last=Kudialis |first=Chris |title=Knowing Vegas: What ever happened to the coaster at the Stratosphere? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/trending/silver-state/knowing-vegas-what-ever-happened-the-coaster-the-stratosphere |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2015-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929122144/https://www.reviewjournal.com/trending/silver-state/knowing-vegas-what-ever-happened-the-coaster-the-stratosphere |archive-date=2016-09-29}}</ref> At {{convert|909|ft|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web |author=Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas |url=http://www.lasvegastourism.com/stratosp.htm |title=Stratosphere Las Vegas, Official Site |website=Lasvegastourism.com |access-date=2016-03-12 |archive-date=2016-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313061521/http://www.lasvegastourism.com/stratosp.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> it was the second highest ride in the world and the highest roller coaster.<ref name="LVM">{{cite web|url=http://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2014/apr/25/9-views-las-vegas/#/0 |title=9 Views of Las Vegas to Soak In |publisher=Las Vegas Magazine |date=2014-04-25 |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref>

Strat-O-Fair, a {{convert|17000|sqft|abbr=on}} [[Midway (fair)|midway]] themed after the 1963 [[World's fair]], opened at the base of the tower in June 2000. Among its attractions were bumper cars and a Ferris wheel, measuring 45 feet in diameter.<ref>Retrieved 2021-01-24:{{ubl
|{{cite news |title=Tall Order |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-23-Tue-2000/news/13632472.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2000-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010506013635/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-23-Tue-2000/news/13632472.html |archive-date=2001-05-06}}
|{{cite web |title=Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower Opens Strat-O-Fair, New Midway Attraction |url=http://www.stratospherehotel.com/press_kit/press.2000-12.strat-o-fair.html |website=Stratosphere |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010629134701/http://www.stratospherehotel.com/press_kit/press.2000-12.strat-o-fair.html |archive-date=2001-06-29 |date=December 2000}}
|{{cite news |title=Midway with Rides, Games Opening at Icahn's Stratosphere |url=https://pressofatlanticcity.newsbank.com/ |work=The Press of Atlantic City |date=2000-06-04 |url-access=subscription}}
|{{cite news |title=Stratosphere to add midway attraction |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/124549273/ |work=The Arizona Republic |date=2000-06-11 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}
|{{cite news |title=Las Vegas: Roller-coasters, many shows open to all ages |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-nov-02-2003-p-185/ |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=2003-11-02}}
}}</ref>

In 2024, the Strat opened Atomic Golf, a four-story {{convert|100000|sqft|abbr=on}} golf entertainment facility.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ross |first=McKenna |title=Inside Las Vegas' newest golf attraction |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/inside-las-vegas-newest-golf-attraction-photos-3020939/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2024-03-21}}</ref> The project, which cost $75 million, includes 103 hitting bays and several bars.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sampson |first=Amber |title=Teeing off: A look ahead at next-level venue Atomic Golf |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2024/feb/08/teeing-off-look-ahead-at-atomic-golf/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2024-02-08}}</ref> It was built on seven acres – located directly north of the resort – that were leased out to developer Flite Golf & Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news |title=New golf driving range experience joining The STRAT |url=https://news3lv.com/newsletter-daily/the-strat-las-vegas-new-golf-driving-atomic-range-experience |access-date=2023-03-08 |work=KSNV |date=2021-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jim |title=Fore! Atomic golf facility coming to The Strat |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/fore-atomic-golf-facility-coming-to-the-strat-2620631/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2022-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lilly |first=Caitlin |title=Construction begins on Atomic Range golf entertainment experience on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2022/08/09/construction-begins-atomic-range-golf-entertainment-experience-las-vegas-strip/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |work=KVVU |date=2022-08-09}}</ref>

====Unbuilt rides====
Two rides were proposed for the tower but were never built.<ref name=Resurrect/><ref name=Whaley-2004/> As the resort opened in 1996, there were plans to add a $6 million "King Kong" ride, also known as "Belly of the Beast". Riders would be placed in the stomach of a giant mechanical gorilla that would scale the Stratosphere tower. The ride would carry a total of 48 people and would go halfway up the tower.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dretzka|first=Gary|title=Vegas tower topped by roller coaster|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9619227/south_florida_sun_sentinel/|access-date=2017-03-20|work=Chicago Tribune|date=1996-01-28}}</ref><ref name=Schumacher>{{cite news |last=Schumacher |first=Geoff |title=King Kong delayed |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/24/king-kong-delayed/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-05-24}}</ref><ref name=Scraps>{{cite news |title=Resort Scraps Idea of Mechanical Gorilla |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jul/26/resort-scraps-idea-of-mechanical-gorilla/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-07-26}}</ref> On its way down, the ride would drop several feet at a time, to give riders the sensation of falling.<ref name=Klein/><ref name=Greenberg>{{cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Herb |title=Will the Stratosphere Become a Strato-Flyer or Strato-Flop? / Also, doubts raised about the fate of King Kong |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Will-the-Stratosphere-Become-a-Strato-Flyer-or-2980621.php |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=SFGate |date=1996-05-30}}</ref> The ride's opening was delayed in May 1996, because design and engineering work took longer than expected.<ref name=Schumacher/> The project was canceled two months later. A Stratosphere spokesman said, "It was determined to be not feasible and we couldn't be sure it would be an exciting ride. It was an engineering challenge, to say the least."<ref name=Scraps/> The ride had been scheduled to open later in 1996.<ref name=Schumacher/>

The second ride was proposed in 2001,<ref>{{cite news |title=Terrifying new thrill ride proposed for Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/may/04/terrifying-new-thrill-ride-proposed-for-stratosphe/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2001-05-04}}</ref> acting as a $20 million roller coaster that would transport riders over Las Vegas Boulevard. A 740-foot tower would be built next to the Stratosphere tower, and the roller coaster would travel down this new tower before going up a 416-foot tower on the opposite side of the street.<ref name=Resurrect>{{cite news |last=Puit |first=Glenn |title=Stratosphere might resurrect gorilla ride idea |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Oct-27-Sat-2001/news/17320766.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020220175054/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Oct-27-Sat-2001/news/17320766.html |archive-date=2002-02-20}}</ref><ref name=Monkey>{{cite news |last=Sebelius |first=Steve |title=Monkey business |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Nov-01-Thu-2001/opinion/17352869.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020106074155/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Nov-01-Thu-2001/opinion/17352869.html |archive-date=2002-01-06}}</ref><ref name=Moller1/> Area residents were opposed to the ride, citing concerns about its impact on housing values and the quality of life.<ref name=Resurrect/><ref>{{cite news |last=Sahagun |first=Diana |title=Stratosphere's plans for ride opposed |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2001/aug/28/stratospheres-plans-for-ride-opposed/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2001-08-28}}</ref> Residents were concerned about noise and traffic that would occur in the area if the ride were built, although the resort denied that noise would be an issue.<ref name=Monkey/> Nevada Assemblywoman [[Chris Giunchigliani]] said the ride would make the neighborhood look like a carnival.<ref name=Neighbors/>

The Stratosphere stated that the new ride was necessary to compete against the nearby [[Adventuredome]], as well as a [[NASCAR]] attraction at the Sahara resort.<ref name=Monkey/> The earlier King Kong ride had received city approval in 1996, with no expiration, and resort executives suggested that they may revive that project if the [[Las Vegas City Council]] were to reject the new roller coaster proposal. Residents were also opposed to the King Kong ride.<ref name=Resurrect/> In response to the opposition, the Stratosphere suggested that it may withdraw financial support for the [[Las Vegas Monorail]] project, which would connect downtown with the Las Vegas Strip.<ref name=Neighbors>{{cite news |last=Geary |first=Frank |title=Stratosphere neighbors again speak out against thrill ride |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Oct-31-Wed-2001/news/17345927.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011225144343/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Oct-31-Wed-2001/news/17345927.html |archive-date=2001-12-25}}</ref> The roller coaster ride failed to get the support of the city council, and the Stratosphere withdrew its financing of $250,000 for the monorail project, which would have had a stop at the resort.<ref>{{cite news |last=Geary |first=Frank |title=Hotel excluded from monorail plan |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Dec-20-Thu-2001/news/17710480.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020804145902/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Dec-20-Thu-2001/news/17710480.html |archive-date=2002-08-04}}</ref> A scaled-back, slower version of the roller coaster ride was proposed in 2002,<ref>{{cite news |last=Moller |first=Jan |title=Hotel to try again for ride |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Feb-27-Wed-2002/news/18191041.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2002-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015221139/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/Feb-27-Wed-2002/news/18191041.html |archive-date=2002-10-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sahagun |first=Diana |title=Planning Commission deadlocked on ride |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/may/10/planning-commission-deadlocked-on-ride/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2002-05-10}}</ref> but it was also denied approval. The Stratosphere took legal action in an effort to get the ride built, but the resort lost its challenges in court.<ref name=Moller1>{{cite news |last=Moller |first=Jan |title=Judge listens to roller coaster pleas |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Nov-16-Sat-2002/news/20080749.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2002-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122095652/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Nov-16-Sat-2002/news/20080749.html |archive-date=2005-11-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moller |first=Jan |title=Stratosphere loses court ruling on roller coaster |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Nov-21-Thu-2002/news/20112897.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2002-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123195657/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Nov-21-Thu-2002/news/20112897.html |archive-date=2005-11-23}}</ref><ref name=Whaley-2004>{{cite news |last=Whaley |first=Sean |title=Stratosphere again denied OK to build thrill ride |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-04-Sat-2004/business/24695076.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040905222146/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-04-Sat-2004/business/24695076.html |archive-date=2004-09-05}}</ref>

===Restaurants===
[[File:Roxie's Diner at the Stratosphere.jpg|left|thumb|Roxy's Diner in 2011]]
Top of the World is a [[revolving restaurant]],<ref>{{cite news |last=White |first=Ken |title=Stratosphere Tower wants to be top of the list for diners |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-20-Wed-2000/living/14372339.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2000-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010610184100/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-20-Wed-2000/living/14372339.html |archive-date=2001-06-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Curtas |first=John |title=Excellence on Top of the World |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/11/excellence-top-world/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2010-05-11}}</ref> taking about 80 minutes to complete a full rotation.<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=Nina |title=Tastes that tower: Top of the World at Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegasmagazine.com/dining/2015/jul/31/top-world-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Magazine |date=2015-07-31}}</ref> It is located on the 106th floor of the tower,<ref>{{cite news |last=Stapleton |first=Susan |title=Renovations Reinvigorate the Highest Restaurant in Las Vegas |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2019/1/4/18168010/top-of-the-world-renovations-eater-inside |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Eater |date=2019-01-04}}</ref> providing overhead views of the Las Vegas Valley.<ref>{{cite news |last=Domanick |first=Andrea |title=Eiffel Tower, Top of the World and Mandarin Bar named among best restaurant views in U.S. |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2013/aug/07/open-table-stratosphere-paris-mandarin-scenic-rest/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2013-08-07}}</ref>

The resort has had numerous other restaurants,<ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Top of the World is just the beginning of Stratosphere's dining options |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/2015/feb/11/eat-the-casino-stratosphere-restaurants/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2015-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004002145/https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/2015/feb/11/eat-the-casino-stratosphere-restaurants/ |archive-date=2023-10-04}}</ref> including a buffet,<ref>{{cite news |last=Stevens |first=Muriel |title=Stirling Club promises community involvement |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/aug/17/columnist-muriel-stevens-stirling-club-promises-co/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2001-08-17}}</ref><ref name=Undergoes/> and a steakhouse known as McCall's Heartland Grill.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sylvester |first=Ron |title=Stratosphere restaurant going from tacos to steaks |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jul/31/stratosphere-restaurant-going-tacos-steaks/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2012-07-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Beef Bonus! New Stratosphere steakhouse exceeds heightened expectations |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/dining/2012/nov/15/beef-bonus-new-stratosphere-steakhouse-exceeds-hei/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2012-11-15}}</ref> Roxy's Diner had operated since the resort's opening.<ref name=Opening/><ref name=Feldberg>{{cite web |last=Feldberg |first=Sarah |title=Stratosphere's new owners set out to prove it's more than a view |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Insights/Stratospheres-new-owners-set-out-to-prove-its-more-than-a-view |website=Travel Weekly |access-date=2020-12-22 |date=2018-06-26}}</ref> It eventually closed in 2018, replaced by the Strat Café.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Susan |title=A New 24-Hour Restaurant Opens North of the Strip |url=https://vegas.eater.com/2018/11/7/18071094/24-hour-restaurant-strat-cafe-wok-stratosphere-now-open |website=Eater |access-date=2024-06-30 |date=2018-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Roeben |first=Scott |title=Stratosphere Confirms Rebrand to The Strat Hotel, Casino and Skypod |url=https://www.casino.org/vitalvegas/stratosphere-confirms-rebrand-to-the-strat-hotel-casino-and-skypod/ |website=Casino.org |access-date=2024-06-30 |date=2019-02-02}}</ref>

A snack bar, 108 Eats, opened on the 108th floor observation deck in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=108 Eats coming to the Stratosphere's observation deck |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/108-Eats-coming-to-the-Stratospheres-observation-deck |website=Travel Weekly |access-date=2024-06-30 |date=2018-12-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Cody |title=Try 108 Drinks, Eats at The STRAT's newly remodeled observation deck |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/try-108-drinks-eats-at-the-strats-newly-remodeled-observation-deck |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=KSNV |date=2019-07-20}}</ref> PT's, a local chain of bar-restaurants owned by Golden Entertainment,<ref>{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=New brands will help PT's Taverns chain grow in Las Vegas Valley |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/new-brands-will-help-pts-taverns-chain-grow-in-las-vegas-valley-3064320/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2024-06-07}}</ref> opened a location at the Strat in 2020, under the name PT's Wings & Sports.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mancini |first=Al |title=PT's coming to The Strat |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/pts-coming-to-the-strat-1961079/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2020-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=PT's Wings & Sports to open at STRAT hotel-casino |url=https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/dining-and-entertainment/pts-wings-sports-to-open-at-strat-hotel |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=KTNV |date=2020-06-11}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Tower Shops===
The Tower Shops is a mall on the second level. The elevators that lead up to the observation decks are only accessible in the mall.<ref name=Rising/> [[Edward J. DeBartolo Sr.|DeBartolo Realty Corporation]], which owned a 50-percent interest in the Tower Shops, was acquired by [[Simon Property Group]] in March 1996, forming Simon DeBartolo Group.<ref name=Retailers/> The Tower Shops were a joint venture between Simon DeBartolo Group and Gordon Group, under the name Strato-Retail.<ref name="Headache">{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Icahn hopes to ease resort's mall headache by buying it |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/sep/25/icahn-hopes-to-ease-resorts-mall-headache-by-buyin/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2000-09-25 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> The Stratosphere leased the retail space to Strato-Retail, which then [[sublease]]d it to retail tenants.<ref name=Sued/>

[[File:Stratosphere shopping mall, Las Vegas (2008).jpg|thumb|Tower Shops in 2008]]
When the Stratosphere opened in April 1996, its retail area was still largely under construction and consisted only of vendor carts spread across three areas with their own theme: Chinese, French, and Manhattan.<ref name=SF/> The mall was built by Missouri construction company McCarthy, which was finishing the first phase in May 1996.<ref name="Rising">{{cite news |title=McCarthy's Big Vegas Project Rising To Stratosphere |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/142523619/ |access-date=2019-07-26 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=1996-05-27 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Because of the resort's financial problems, the next phase of the Tower Shops was halted in August 1996,<ref name=Halts/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Sky was the Limit//The Stratosphere's Tower Shops Reached for the Stars, Literally and Financially, but Have Failed to Fulfill Expectations |url=https://nl.newsbank.com |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=2019-07-27 |date=1996-09-27 |url-access=subscription |via=NewsLibrary}}</ref> leaving the mall with {{convert|69000|sqft|abbr=on}} of retail space.<ref name=NewShops/><ref name=Headache/> The second phase, scheduled for completion in December 1996, would have increased the mall to {{convert|160000|sqft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere opens grand tower, resort |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/159256112/ |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1996-04-07 |access-date=2019-07-27 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The second phase would have included a [[Rainforest Cafe]] as its main [[anchor tenant]].<ref name=Retailers/><ref name=Headache/> A Kids Quest child-care center was also planned as part of the second phase.<ref>{{cite web |last=Calkins |first=Alison |title=Tower has a place just for kids |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/apr/26/tower-has-a-place-just-for-kids/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-04-26 |access-date=2019-02-08 }}</ref><ref name=Retailers/>

As of February 1997, the mall had 32 of 45 stores opened, with the remainder expected to open by the end of the second quarter. The mall had approximately 300 employees.<ref name="NewShops">{{cite web |last=Caruso |first=Monica |title=Stratosphere continues to open new shops |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-14-Fri-1997/business/4863616.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 14, 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970719140852/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-14-Fri-1997/business/4863616.html |archive-date=July 19, 1997}}</ref> As of October 1997, there were 36 stores, including a clothing store owned by Las Vegas mayor [[Jan Laverty Jones|Jan Jones]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Zapler |first=Mike |title=Jones runs business at casino she regulates |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-09-Thu-1997/news/6205654.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 9, 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000918160736/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-09-Thu-1997/news/6205654.html |archive-date=September 18, 2000}}</ref> who also owned shares in Grand Casinos.<ref name=Jones/> Approximately 85 percent of the retail space was occupied, and 98 percent was leased.<ref name="Jones">{{cite web |last=Zapler |first=Mike |title=Jones offers defense of casino lease |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-16-Thu-1997/news/6248272.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 16, 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000918173617/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-16-Thu-1997/news/6248272.html |archive-date=September 18, 2000}}</ref>

By 1998, retailers in the Tower Shops were experiencing financial difficulties and lack of customer traffic, which the retailers blamed on the resort's unfinished facilities.<ref name="Retailers">{{cite news |last=Shemeligian |first=Bob |title=Stratosphere retailers say they're hurting |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/jan/26/stratosphere-retailers-say-theyre-hurting/ |access-date=2019-07-26 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1998-01-26}}</ref> Strato-Retail filed suits against several of the mall's retailers, alleging non-payment of rent. Two retailers that were locked in for expensive, long-term leases filed suits against Strato-Retail.<ref name=Retailers/><ref name="Sued">{{cite news |title=Retailer sued over rent |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/aug/12/retailer-sued-over-rent/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1999-08-12 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> As of March 1999, the Stratosphere planned to add a new escalator which the resort said would lead up to the casino's showroom. However, Strato-Retail sued Stratosphere Corporation, alleging that the escalator would hinder business to the Tower Shops by allowing visitors to bypass the mall on their way to the top of the observation tower. The resort denied that the escalator could be used to access the tower.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere sued by retailers over escalator |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/mar/25/stratosphere-sued-by-retailers-over-escalator/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1999-03-25 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> Strato-Retail won a permanent injunction against the escalator's construction.<ref name=Take-Over/>

In 2000, Stratosphere Corporation purchased the mall from Strato-Retail for $12.5 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Icahn buying Stratosphere mall, taking resort private |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/sep/20/icahn-buying-stratosphere-mall-taking-resort-priva/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2000-09-20 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref><ref name=Headache/><ref name="Take-Over">{{cite news |title=Company pays $12.5 million to take over mall |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/nov/13/company-pays-125-million-to-take-over-mall/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2000-11-13 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> In 2004, the Tower Shops had {{convert|110000|sqft|abbr=on}} of retail space, which was approximately 90 percent leased. That year, the mall announced plans for an additional {{convert|80000|sqft|abbr=on}} of retail space.<ref name=Shubinski/><ref>{{cite news |last=Illia |first=Tony |title=Trade show brings rash of new project announcements |url=http://lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2004/05/28/columnists/col02realestate.txt |work=Las Vegas Business Press |date=2004-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606065448/http://lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2004/05/28/columnists/col02realestate.txt |archive-date=2004-06-06 |access-date=2021-12-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> The expansion would occupy undeveloped space that was meant for the Tower Shops' originally planned second phase.<ref name="Shubinski">{{cite news |last=Shubinski |first=Jennifer |title=Stratosphere plans Tower Shops growth |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/may/21/stratosphere-plans-tower-shops-growth/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2004-05-21 |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> At the time, the mall had approximately 50 stores and 15 retail carts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Hubble |title=Strip getting a slice of the island |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/May-25-Tue-2004/business/23954996.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 25, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050128011208/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/May-25-Tue-2004/business/23954996.html |archive-date=January 28, 2005}}</ref>

==Live entertainment==
At its opening, the Stratosphere included the 700-seat Broadway showroom,<ref>{{cite news |title=Close Up: American Superstars |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-03-28 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> and a 300-seat lounge called the Images Cabaret, which also hosted performers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title='Tap Dogs' hoofs back with show at Stratosphere |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/May-17-Sun-1998/lifestyles/7490028.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990224211158/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/May-17-Sun-1998/lifestyles/7490028.html |archive-date=1999-02-24}}</ref> The Stratosphere opened along with a celebrity impersonator show known as ''American Superstars'', which initially ran in the lounge.<ref name=Weatherford2011/><ref name=Superstars>{{cite news |title=Stratosphere's 'American Superstars' to end this month |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/mar/10/stratospheres-american-superstars-end-month/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2011-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='American Superstars' move up at Stratosphere Tower |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/dec/20/american-superstars-move-up-at-stratosphere-tower/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-12-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Madonna's likeness joins Stratosphere's 'Superstars' team |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/jan/10/madonnas-likeness-joins-stratospheres-superstars-t/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1997-01-10}}</ref> [[Danny Gans]] also had a residency, which took place in the showroom.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title=Price to see Gans at the Rio takes another jump |url=http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/May-16-Sun-1999/lifestyles/11168212.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1999-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000616234452/http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/May-16-Sun-1999/lifestyles/11168212.html |archive-date=2000-06-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='He Can't Be Replaced' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/he-cant-be-replaced/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2009-05-02}}</ref> Gans' contract expired at the end of 1996, and he moved on to the [[Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino|Rio]] resort, after disagreements with the Stratosphere. Gans had wanted more advertising from the Stratosphere for his show, although the resort was financially unable to do so. The resort, meanwhile, wanted Gans to perform more often, which he declined to do.<ref name=Rio/> Following his departure, ''American Superstars'' moved into the showroom.<ref name=Weatherford2011/><ref name=Rio>{{cite news |last=Renzi |first=David |title=Impressionist Danny Gans jumps to the Rio |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/jan/17/impressionist-danny-gans-jumps-to-the-rio/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1997-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title=Superstars makes move from lounge to showroom |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-02-07 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

A small-scale afternoon show, ''Viva Las Vegas'', opened in the Broadway showroom in October 1996, in an effort to improve the resort's finances. The show had previously run for five years at the [[Sands Hotel and Casino]], until its closing earlier in 1996.<ref>{{cite news |last=Delaney |first=Joe |title=Stratosphere new home for 'Viva' |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/oct/31/columnist-joe-delaney-stratosphere-new-home-for-vi/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1996-10-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title=Afternoon revue revived for run at Stratosphere |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1996-10-13 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Paskevich |first=Michael |title=Afternoon production show attracting tourist trade to Stratosphere |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1996-11-22 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Hypnotist [[Marshall Sylver]] opened a show in the Images Cabaret in 1997.<ref>{{cite news |title=Close Up: Marshall Sylver |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-06-20 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hypnotist Sylver blends show biz with sales pitch in act |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1997-06-27 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Two years later, Images Cabaret was relocated elsewhere in the resort, as the original location was replaced by the new sports book.<ref name=Sportsbook>{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Casino gets OK on sports book |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jul/15/casino-gets-ok-on-sports-book/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1999-07-15}}</ref>

[[File:Celestia tent at The Strat in Las Vegas.jpg|thumb|upright|Overhead view of the ''Celestia'' tent]]
As of 2001, ''Viva Las Vegas'' was the longest continuously running afternoon show in Las Vegas history.<ref name=At5/> An outdoor stage, called the Outdoor Events Center, opened later that year. Built in the form of a [[grandstand]], it offered seating for approximately 3,600 people. As an alternative to larger venues, the Outdoor Events Center offered low-priced events, which included boxing matches and musical performances.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Beach Boys should get good look at Strip from Stratosphere stage |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-11-Tue-2001/living/16953384.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011118132109/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-11-Tue-2001/living/16953384.html |archive-date=2001-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Elfman |first=Doug |title=Stratosphere pushes venue by scheduling more concerts |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-11-Fri-2003/weekly/20928567.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2003-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030428224004/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-11-Fri-2003/weekly/20928567.html |archive-date=2003-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Boys of summer play fall finale |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Nov-04-Sun-2001/news/17375781.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2001-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011110115854/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Nov-04-Sun-2001/news/17375781.html |archive-date=2001-11-10}}</ref> In 2004, the resort's Theater of the Stars showroom launched a topless vampire-themed show by [[Tim Molyneux]] called ''[[Bite (show)|Bite]]'', featuring rock and roll music.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=Fangs for the Memories |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-13-Fri-2004/weekly/24507160.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106132801/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-13-Fri-2004/weekly/24507160.html |archive-date=2004-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Del Valle |first=Anthony |title=Theater Chat: There's no excuse for lack of printed programs |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-10-Fri-2004/weekly/24686776.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040912045508/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-10-Fri-2004/weekly/24686776.html |archive-date=2004-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Show Review: Campy vamps would be better |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-10-Fri-2004/weekly/24686490.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2004-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040912045503/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-10-Fri-2004/weekly/24686490.html |archive-date=2004-09-12}}</ref> ''Viva Las Vegas'' closed in December 2006.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Matinee competition heating up |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Dec-17-Sun-2006/living/11409231.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2006-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122154624/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Dec-17-Sun-2006/living/11409231.html |archive-date=2007-01-22}}</ref>

''American Superstars'' closed in March 2011, as the producers and resort came to a mutual decision to end the show after a 15-year run. It was one of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas history.<ref name=Superstars/><ref name=Weatherford2011>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title='Superstars' prepares to close at Stratosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/superstars-prepares-to-close-at-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2011-03-10}}</ref> Later that year, singer Frankie Moreno signed a two-year residency.<ref name=Kats2011>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Frankie Moreno has a new playground, as Stratosphere lands its headliner |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2011/oct/09/stratosphere-lands-its-headliner-and-frankie-moren/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2011-10-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Stratosphere's investment in Frankie Moreno is a tall order, but well worth it |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2011/dec/10/stratospheres-investmen-moreno-tall-order-well-wor/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2011-12-10}}</ref> The Theater of the Stars showroom was renovated under the direction of Moreno,<ref name=Beacon/><ref name=Kats2011/> and was renamed as the Stratosphere Showroom.<ref name=Moreno>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Stratosphere ending Frankie Moreno residency this year |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2014/oct/17/stratosphere-ending-frankie-moreno-residency-year/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2014-10-17}}</ref> [[Tommy Ward (singer)|Tommy Ward]] was Moreno's opening act for nine-months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Jessica |date=2014-09-22 |title=Vegas teenage singer is a rising star with classic roots |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/vegas-teenage-singer-is-a-rising-star-with-classic-roots# |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=KSNV Las Vegas}}</ref> ''Bite'' ended its run in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Plaza productions bitten as hotel splits with Anthony Cools |url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2012/dec/17/plaza-productions-bitten-hotel-splits-cools/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2012-12-17}}</ref>

David Perrico, with the band Pop Evolution, signed in 2013 for a monthly show.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Pop Evolution brings eclectic vibrancy to the Stratosphere |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/pop-evolution-brings-eclectic-vibrancy-to-the-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2013-06-01}}</ref> [[Claire Sinclair]], a [[Playboy Playmate|''Playboy'' Playmate]], starred in a burlesque musical show titled ''Pin Up'', which launched in 2013 and ran for four years.<ref>Retrieved 2020-12-22:{{ubl
|{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Claire Sinclair ''finally'' gets to take it (nearly) all off in 'Pin Up' at Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/kats-report/2013/aug/01/claire-sinclair-emfinallyem-gets-take-it-nearly-al/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2013-08-01}}
|{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=For three shows, DIY is way to go |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/for-three-shows-diy-is-way-to-go/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2013-02-24}}
|{{cite web|author=Mike Weatherford |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/mike-weatherford/pin-up-displaying-more-vintage-cool/ |title='Pin Up' displaying more vintage cool |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2014-09-01 |access-date=2019-02-08}}
|{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Claire Sinclair and 'Pin Up' notch three years at the Stratosphere Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/kats-report/2016/may/25/claire-sinclair-pin-up-three-years-stratosphere/ |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2016-05-25}}
|{{cite news |last=Leach |first=Robin |title=Claire Sinclair closes 'Pin Up,' focuses on Clairbnb and 'Shark Tank' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/nightlife/claire-sinclair-closes-pin-up-focuses-on-clairbnb-and-shark-tank-photos/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2017-03-07}}
}}</ref> Moreno signed an extension and eventually concluded his residency at the end of 2014.<ref name=Moreno/><ref>{{cite web|last=Hall |first=Debbie |url=http://www.axs.com/las-vegas-headliner-frankie-moreno-schedules-final-performance-at-stra-24008 |title=Las Vegas headliner Frankie Moreno schedules final performance at Stratosphere |website=AXS.com |date=2014-10-18 |access-date=2016-03-12}}</ref> By 2016, the resort had begun offering a [[Michael Jackson]] tribute show called ''MJ Live''.<ref name=Aging>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The Stratosphere is aging well, but it's hard to see from way up there |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/column/incidental-tourist/2016/may/11/stratosphere-20-years-old-improvements/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2016-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kelemen |first=Matt |title=The King of Pop reigns in MJ Live |url=https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2018/aug/17/mj-live-michael-jackson-tribute-show-stratosphere/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Magazine |date=2018-08-17}}</ref>

The Strat added an acrobatic show, ''Celestia'', in June 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title='Celestia' gathers familiar acts under one tent on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/celestia-gathers-familiar-acts-under-one-tent-on-las-vegas-strip-1682244/ |access-date=2020-01-24 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2019-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The STRAT's new 'Celestia' could be a summer family hit |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/jun/10/celestia-strat-circus-show-review/ |access-date=2020-01-24 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2019-06-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mills |first=Heather |title='Celestia' brings death-defying entertainment to Las Vegas Strip |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/celestia-brings-death-defying-entertainment-to-las-vegas-strip |access-date=2020-01-24 |work=KSNV |date=2019-12-06}}</ref> The show was performed inside a {{convert|30000|sqft|abbr=on}} tent located outside the Strat.<ref name=Schulz2/> ''Celestia'' closed in 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. A year later, plans were underway to renovate the Strat's 600-seat theater. The resort partnered with SPI Entertainment and hoped to make the resort a well-known destination for live entertainment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Veteran Vegas producer taking over The Strat Showroom |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/veteran-vegas-producer-taking-over-the-strat-showroom-2364041/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2021-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The Strat is ready to elevate its live entertainment options |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/jun/07/strat-live-shows-spi-entertainment-strat-theater/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2021-06-07}}</ref> Illusionist [[Xavier Mortimer]] opened a magic show on July 1, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Xavier Mortimer moves his magic to The Strat |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/xavier-mortimer-moves-his-magic-to-the-strat-2374621/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2021-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Magician Xavier Mortimer to Open New Show at the Strat July 1 |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2021/jun/10/xavier-mortimer-new-magic-show-strat/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2021-06-10}}</ref> Another magic show, by mentalist [[Banachek]], was opened a month later,<ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Banachek is going big in the intimate Strat Theater with new 'Mind Games' show |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/aug/02/banachek-mind-games-live-strat-theater-magic/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2021-08-02}}</ref> along with a glow-in-the-dark dance show by [[iLuminate]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=New 'iLuminate' show is the dance party The Strat has never had |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/new-iluminate-show-is-the-dance-party-the-strat-has-never-had-2406757/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2021-07-26}}</ref> A concert residency by [[Sammy Hagar]] took place later in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Rocker Sammy Hagar Brings a New Las Vegas Concert Residency to the Strat |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2021/jun/28/sammy-hagar-vegas-residency-show-strat-strip/ |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=2021-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sammy Hagar residency announced for The Strat in Las Vegas |url=https://www.news3lv.com/news/local/sammy-hagar-residency-announced-for-the-strat-in-las-vegas |access-date=2021-08-06 |work=KSNV |date=2021-06-29}}</ref> ''Rouge'', a show featuring topless dancers, debuted the following year.<ref>Retrieved 2023-03-08:{{ubl
|{{cite news |last=Wild |first=Stephi |title=Rouge: The Sexiest Show in Las Vegas Will Make World Premiere at The STRAT Theater This Weekend |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/las-vegas/article/ROUGE-THE-SEXIEST-SHOW-IN-VEGAS-Will-Make-World-Premiere-at-The-STRAT-Theater-This-Weekend-20220413 |work=Broadway World |date=2022-04-13}}
|{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Topless show 'Rouge' steps into The Strat Theater |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/topless-show-rouge-steps-into-the-strat-theater-2560435/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2022-04-13}}
|{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=The Strat adds sexy new show 'Rouge,' from the makers of 'WOW' and 'Extravaganza' |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2022/apr/25/the-strat-adds-sexy-new-show-rouge-from-the-makers/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=2022-04-25}}
|{{cite news |title='Rouge: The Sexiest Show in Vegas' celebrates World Premiere at The STRAT |url=https://news3lv.com/newsletter-daily/rouge-the-sexiest-show-in-vegascelebrates-world-premiere-at-the-strat |work=KSNV |date=2022-05-18}}
}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
* In 1998, some filming took place at the Stratosphere for an episode of ''[[Chicago Hope]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title='Chicago Hope' prepares to wrap up Las Vegas stay |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Feb-02-Mon-1998/lifestyles/6871922.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1998-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000914210615/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1998/Feb-02-Mon-1998/lifestyles/6871922.html |archive-date=2000-09-14}}</ref>
*In 1999, scenes for the game show ''[[Real World/Road Rules Challenge 2000]]'' were filmed involving contestants bungee jumping from the Stratosphere's tower.<ref name="Cling">{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=Fall TV season keeps Vegas hopping with business |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Sep-27-Mon-1999/lifestyles/12020643.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1999-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010430142649/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Sep-27-Mon-1999/lifestyles/12020643.html |archive-date=2001-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=MTV adventurers' wake-up call: bungee jump from Stratosphere |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=1999-09-29|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Leong |first=Grace |title=Bungee jumping resumes at Stratosphere |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/sep/30/bungee-jumping-resumes-at-stratosphere/ |access-date=2019-02-09 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=1999-09-30}}</ref>
*The Stratosphere was also used in 1999 for filming of the television series ''[[The Strip (U.S. TV series)|The Strip]]''.<ref name=Cling/>
*The casino and tower are featured in the 2005 movie ''[[Domino (2005 film)|Domino]]'', in which the owner gets robbed of $10 million and the top of the tower gets damaged in an explosion.<ref>{{cite web |title=STRATOSPHERE CASINO LANDS EXPLOSIVE MOVIE PROMOTION |url=https://adage.com/article/madisonvine-case-study/stratosphere-casino-lands-explosive-movie-promotion/47196/ |website=adage.com |date=26 October 2005 |access-date=7 January 2019}}</ref>
*The tower is the inspiration for the Vertigo Spire location/map featured in the 2006 video game ''[[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Jonathan |title=Rainbow Six Vegas: A Night on the Town |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/02/rainbow-six-vegas-a-night-on-the-town |website=IGN |access-date=7 January 2019 |date=1 November 2006}}</ref>
* The tower was featured in the ''[[Life After People]]'' 2009 episode "Sin City Meltdown". Three hundred years after people, the tower is one of the last recognizable things in Las Vegas, but an earthquake eventually brings it down.
*The 2002 death of 16-year-old Las Vegas teen Levi Presley, by suicide from the observation deck, became the basis for [[John D'Agata]]'s 2010 essay "What Happens There" for [[The Believer (magazine)|''The Believer'']], and later D'Agata and Jim Fingal's 2012 book ''[[The Lifespan of a Fact]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McDonald|first=Jennifer B.|date=2012-02-21|title=In the Details|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/books/review/the-lifespan-of-a-fact-by-john-dagata-and-jim-fingal.html|access-date=2021-07-05|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
*The Lucky 38, a fictional tower casino featured in the 2010 video game ''[[Fallout: New Vegas]]'', partially resembles the Stratosphere.<ref>{{cite news |last=Witcher |first=T.R. |title=Unexpected Art |url=https://vegasseven.com/2010/11/04/unexpected-art/ |work=VegasSeven |date=2010-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208081545/https://vegasseven.com/2010/11/04/unexpected-art/ |archive-date=2015-12-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Location 23: The Strip - Lucky 38 |url=http://www.falloutnewvegastour.com/2011/04/location-23-strip-lucky-38.html |access-date=7 January 2019}}</ref>
* Actors [[Michael Douglas]] and [[Mary Steenburgen]] rode on the X-Scream ride to shoot a scene for the 2013 film ''[[Last Vegas]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Christopher |title=Stratosphere proves trickiest place for director in shooting 'Last Vegas' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/stratosphere-proves-trickiest-place-for-director-in-shooting-last-vegas/ |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2013-10-30}}</ref>
*In 2013, the tower was featured in episode 24 of the [[HaMerotz LaMillion 3|third season]] of the [[HaMerotz LaMillion|Israeli edition of ''The Amazing Race'']] as part of a Roadblock task where contestants had to jump off of the tower on the SkyJump.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/hamerotz/photos/a.129167740489202/513124708760168/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/100898309982812/513124708760168 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|script-title=he:מי מהזוגות יעשה יותר, יצליח יותר ובעיקר יהיה אמיץ יותר?? צפו בהצצה לפרק הבא וגלו מי מהצוותים התגבר על פחד הגבהים>>|language=he|trans-title=Which of the couples will do more, be more successful and most of all be braver ?? Watch the glimpse of the next chapter and find out which team has overcome the fear of heights >>|work=[[Facebook]]|date=August 2, 2013|access-date=December 31, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*In the 2014 [[Syfy]] television series ''[[Dominion (TV series)|Dominion]]'', the archangel Michael lived in the observation tower of the Stratosphere.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dominion TV show setting | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/syfys-dominion-survivng-the-post-apocalypse-with-some-low-rent-angels/2014/06/18/e7670e40-f64f-11e3-a3a5-42be35962a52_story.html?noredirect=on |access-date=7 January 2019}}</ref>
*A replica of the tower can be found in the 2014 racing game ''[[The Crew (video game)|The Crew]]'', in the northern part of Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tran |first1=Edmond |title=The Crew 2 Review - On The Road Again |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-crew-2-review-on-the-road-again/1900-6416936/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=7 January 2019 |date=4 July 2018}}</ref>
*The hotel, casino and tower was featured at the beginning of the 2016 film ''[[Sharknado: The 4th Awakens]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scene In Nevada: Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens |url=https://nevadafilm.com/scene-in-nevada-sharknado-4-the-4th-awakens/ |website=Nevada Film Office |access-date=7 January 2019 |date=2 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=The towering 'Sharknado'? Stratosphere might land a role |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/norm-clarke/the-towering-sharknado-stratosphere-might-land-role |access-date=2020-12-22 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2016-03-04}}</ref>
* In 2023, filming took place at the Strat for the action-comedy film ''[[The Family Plan]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mark Wahlberg hypes new movie after filming at The STRAT in Las Vegas |url=https://news3lv.com/news/instagram/mark-wahlberg-hypes-new-movie-after-filming-at-the-strat-in-las-vegas |access-date=2023-03-08 |work=KSNV |date=2023-02-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |title=Mark Wahlberg films on the Strip in 'Hollywood 2.0' vision |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/mark-wahlberg-films-on-the-strip-in-hollywood-2-0-vision-2729338/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=2023-02-15}}</ref>
*In May 2023, Tyler Toney, of the YouTube group [[Dude Perfect]], set the world record for highest basketball shot with a shot at a height of 856 feet (260.9 m.) which was taken at the Skyjump Las Vegas platform on the observation tower. It was later shown in a Dude Perfect YouTube video focused on it.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Chavkin|first=Daniel|title= Dude Perfect Trick Shot Troupe Hits World Record Basketball Shot|url= https://www.si.com/.amp/extra-mustard/2023/05/21/dude-perfect-sets-world-record-highest-basketball-shot-las-vegas-stratosphere |access-date=2023-05-21 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=2023-05-21}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:Stratosphere tower sign, 2004.jpg|Neon sign on the observation tower, 2004
File:Stratosphere entrance and sign, 2004.jpg|Main entrance in 2004
File:StratosphereBelow.jpg|A neon sign during the day
File:Stratosphere las vegas.jpg|Front of the tower
File:Stratosphere tower at night.jpg|View from the ground
File:Las vegas002.JPG|Stratosphere tower and hotel buildings
File:Las Vegas -Nevada-8Sept2008-2.jpg|View from the tower pod, overlooking the Strip in 2008
File:Stratosphere Las Vegas -8Sept2008.jpg|Overlooking the Strip in 2008
File:Down the Strip from the Stratosphere, Las Vegas (3478787899).jpg|Same view, at night
File:The Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas, Nevada.jpg|Looking up from the base of the tower, with the [[X-Scream]] ride hanging over the edge in 2009
File:Stratosphere Las Vegas logo.svg|Stratosphere logo, 2011
File:Stratosphere tower pod, 2012.jpg|Close-up of the pod
File:Stratosphere Las Vegas 3 2013-06-25.jpg|Inside the pod
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Nevada}}
* [[Landmark (hotel and casino)]], a similar Las Vegas property
* [[List of integrated resorts]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book | last=Smith | first=John L. | title=No Limit: The Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak and Las Vegas' Stratosphere Tower | location=Las Vegas | publisher=Huntington Press | year=1997 | isbn=0-929712-18-8}}

==External links==
{{commons category|The Strat}}

*{{Official website|1=http://www.thestrat.com}}
*{{Structurae|id=20003279|title=Stratosphere Tower}}

{{Las Vegas casinos}}
{{Las Vegas hotels}}
{{Las Vegas skyscrapers}}
{{Las Vegas Strip}}
{{Las Vegas Valley}}
{{Supertall}}
{{Golden Entertainment}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Strat, The}}
[[Category:The Strat| ]]
[[Category:Casinos in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Golden Entertainment]]
[[Category:Hotel buildings completed in 1996]]
[[Category:Hotels established in 1996]]
[[Category:Towers in Nevada]]
[[Category:Las Vegas Strip]]
[[Category:Observation towers in the United States]]
[[Category:Resorts in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Skyscraper hotels in Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Towers completed in 1996]]
[[Category:Towers with revolving restaurants]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Nevada]]
[[Category:Casino hotels in the Las Vegas Valley]]