Well - I checked out the room. It is a great room. Here are my comments/notes.
I busted out of the 'play money' cash game (top pair against set - live poker is rigged
)
1) Dealers are very competent. Even though it was a trial run, they handled everything well (taking rake, side pots, counting chips). They are simulating everything today (cage, sign up process, deal rotation, cashing in/out you name it). Very impressed with this, which I'm sure will make the opening a lot smoother.
2) I know they are opening with 24 tables, but the room has around 50 or so tables all setup. The expansion I'm sure will happen very quickly which will be great. There were 4 or 5 tables that were in a 'roped area' - I'm assuming that is for the high stakes game.
3) Cup Holders!!! Chester - take notes. I play at chester, and having someones drink standing there, and I can't see half of their chips. Also, a normal drop box which doesn't break your arm when dealer takes rake.
4) Rake will be up to $5. No BBJ.
5) There are plenty of TVs, so you can watch your football/hockey/basketball/you name it.
Couple small negatives.
1) The room was a little dark for my liking. Perhaps they will adjust it later on.
2) The tables seemed a little small. I'm not the biggest person out there, but I can see some bumping going on with a few 'heavyweights'.
Any other questions about the room, shoot them my way...