We saw Bruno Mars this past October and really enjoyed the show. While some people were hard core about getting in line early (like 4-5pm for an 8pm show) to snag prime standing room on the general admission floor, we opted to roll up to the venue around 6:30-7pm after having an early dinner and this worked fine. Especially since we weren't looking to be in the crush all the way up front. The staff kept the line orderly during the lead up to the doors opening. It was a bit of a gamble arriving later like that but we still secured a great spot on the floor that had nice sight lines to the stage.
Since the Chelsea is designed to have a maximum capacity of roughly 3,200 (including of course the people in the reserved seats behind us), the concert had a fun vibe but it didn't have that crazed "mass of humanity" feel that some other concerts do. Are the rumors true about the bouncy floor? Yes they are!! When people were dancing or jumping during some of Bruno's uptempo songs, you could feel the energy roll through right underneath you. Makes me wonder what it would be like during a crazy heavy metal mosh pit! Not that I want to be in the middle of that mosh pit. While I didn't get motion sickness, the bounce effect is still noticeable.
Whether it was the DJ playing old school hiphop or Bruno performing his songs , the acoustics were good. Not the best I've ever encountered but good. Beverages were available (beer please!) and the staff was cool.