LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – While you can watch the Tropicana’s implosion live on FOX5, some people are planning to watch it in person, despite a lack of public viewing areas.
FOX5 rode along with one valley father and son as they scouted a good spot to watch.
It was a special enough occasion to get 14-year-old Jaxson Lewton out of school after his first period, and for Jaxson to wear his special Vegas-themed shirt.
“Chances are I’ll wear the exact same outfit for all the Las Vegas events that I do,” Jaxson says “I think it works great for the town.”
Jaxson and his family spent hours scouting open parking garages, public places to park and set up chairs, and even hotel rooms.
But, Jaxson’s dad, Brad Lewton, says he’s hoping to watch outside. He wants to feel the vibrations of the implosion.
This is a tradition Brad has ingrained in his son for years. In Jaxson’s 14 years, he has already seen three implosions in the Las Vegas Valley.
“I think that getting your kid up at midnight to go watch a building blow up when he’s young kind of carries on, right,” Brad said, laughing.
For the Lewton’s, the Tropicana isn’t just any building. Jaxson’s great grandfather, grandfather, and dad all worked on the construction of the building in some way.
Jaxson tells me it will be tough to see it go, but that he wouldn’t miss it for the world.
“If I missed it, it’s like I’m not truly honoring the people that have such history with this,” Jaxson says.
As for where they’re going to be watching, the family says they have a tentative spot but are keeping those details close to their chest.
Wherever you decide to go, they suggest getting there early because it’s going to be packed.
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