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.\n\nWhat Has Improved:\n-It actually looks like a venue now when you walk in, versus a boring convention ballroom.\n-There are bathrooms just outside of the venue.  You no longer have to walk down a long hall to get to them.\n-The staff appears friendlier.\n\nWhat Hasn't Changed:\n-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.\n-The floor still shakes violently while people are jumping.  It's really unnerving.\n\nWhat Went Downhill:\n-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.\n-The size.  If I am remembering correctly, the original Chelsea could hold many more people than this venue.\n\nWhat I Can't Comment On Just Yet:\n-Drink prices.  I'm just going to assume they are absurd (including water).\n-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.\n-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.\n\nI'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.\n\nFor 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.