Yeah, seriously, where have you been?
It's been the main subject of conversations here lately!
Ok, so yes, the 'ellipse' or the 'bomb shelter' is very similar to the Heart: it's a circular ramp that goes around the floor, and splits it up in two. About 400 people can fit in, and yes Bono and the band can walk around it.
BUT it does not work like during Elevation to get in, a lottery (and a really bad one) has replaced the first come first serve system.
Here is how it works:
There is supposed to be two lines: one for U2.com members and one for other GA ticketholders. That part is not too clear yet, but the idea is that the U2.com line is shorter, so members will have a better spot inside. But they do NOT have a better shot at the ellipse. Once you get inside the arena, your ticket will be scanned at a computer, and you have about 1 out of 10 chances to get inside the ellipse. If you win the lottery, you can bring ONE friend inside with you (so your chance are actually 1 in 5 if your have a buddy with you). It does not matter when you get there, you can get in when the doors open or at 9pm, no difference. And both lines have equal chances.
What does it mean? Well arriving early will not garantee you will get into the ellipse, but it will determine whether or not you will have a good spot outside the ellipse if you don't win the lottery.
So that's it. It sucks. It's a stupid policy. Some people like it, but most are not happy and have been complaining. It's hard to say at this point whether it will stay like that for the whole tour or not, but for now that's the policy, so we all need to live with it and adapt our plans.