I've seen U2 once on Popmart and three times on Elevation. I would rank them like this.
1.5/7/01- Columbus
2.5/24/97- Columbus
3.5/10/01- Indianapolis
4.10/10/01- Notre Dame
Popmart Columbus was my first concert ever, not to mention the first time I ever saw my favorite band. Every detail still stands out perfectly in my mind. That show will always hold a special place in my heart. That said, the first time I saw Elevation in Columbus, I was blown away. It was definately a better show all around. Everything about it was so perfect. A few days later I saw them in Indy....still great, but the same thing I saw 3 days before. The fact that it was Bono's birthday gave that show somewhat of an Edge. (no pun).
Then came the 3rd leg show I saw. I don't know if I was just tired of Elevation or what, but I actually found myself bored during it. I didn't like their set list, and they exercised the same routines too long. I think the only times I really got into the concert were when they played songs that I hadn't already heard them play on the 1st leg. (Still haven't found, Angel of Harlem....Kite and Walk on really got me too, love those songs.) But I surprised myself a bit during "Bad". Instead of soaking in every moment of this show, I caught myself checking out a rather full figured Notre Dame college student. (The chicks at that concert were worth the trip anyday!) I about fell asleep during "With or without you." I think that Elevation 1st leg is a better show than Popmart, but not 3rd leg.
Popmart kicked serious ass, you all have to admit. We can all say how much we love this "back to basics" stuff, but I really got into the whole Pop album and tour, and I thought it was great. That is, until the press started slagging both, then I couldn't look at Popmart the same way.