I just visited the (new) Chelsea for the first time the other night and so far I'm not sold. While it seems like a vast improvement from the original (my review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/belmont-ballroom-las-vegas?hrid=4H7YHJRjTgZ9yN9u5RvsLg), I don't think this is going to be the best venue in town.
What Has Improved:
-It actually looks like a venue now when you walk in, versus a boring convention ballroom.
-There are bathrooms just outside of the venue. You no longer have to walk down a long hall to get to them.
-The staff appears friendlier.
What Hasn't Changed:
-It didn't feel hot inside for a while, but halfway through the second band it started to get uncomfortable. And that was with the venue half full so I'd imagine it would be a lot worse for a sold out show. Dress light and drink a lot of water.
-The floor still shakes violently while people are jumping. It's really unnerving.
What Went Downhill:
-The sound. I stood in three places in the venue and the sound varied in each. From the seats in the back/center on the first floor- the sound was good. From the barrier on the right side just where the stage ended- it was terrible. You could only hear bass and no vocals. From the middle of the floor/off to the right side- the sound was much better than from the right barrier but the vocals were still a little hard to hear. Try to stay to the center of the stage if this is important to you.
-The size. If I am remembering correctly, the original Chelsea could hold many more people than this venue.
What I Can't Comment On Just Yet:
-Drink prices. I'm just going to assume they are absurd (including water).
-VIP's. At the old Chelsea, you needed a VIP ticket to get in front of everyone in General Admission. Not sure what the policy is here.
-Line waiting. If you read my previous Chelsea experience, this was a NIGHTMARE. Call ahead to see when you can line up if there is a band you are really excited to be up front for.
I've heard a lot of people say that this place reminded them of The Joint, but I would disagree. It has a floor space about the size of The Pearl (maybe a little bigger) and is set-up is like The House of Blues. There is a large General Admission floor, with bars off to the sides and a few seats around the first floor and in the balcony.
For now, my experience wasn't nightmare-inducing like the last Chelsea, but it still hasn't won me over. I'm sure a few more shows will change my mind one way or another.