I am just wanting to know where to go and what to expect at the arena. So there is a parking garage, from what street do I need to enter and how much am I expecting to pay?

I would like to arrive early and find something to do before 4, what is within walking distance but no drinking as I think that is covered. And what is good general food in the area, walking or not from the Arena... mildly priced.

the garage entrance is on the corner of East Maryland and Alabama street. If i had to guess it will be probably be $10 for event parking, However $20 isnt out of the question. Just pay attention to make sure you are turning into the garage and not onto South Alabama street as it goes under the garage

There are plenty of food options within walking distance. the Old Spaghetti Factory is good and right down Georgia street, Granite City Food and Brewery is up on Illinois just north of West Maryland. The Hard Rock cafe is also right close by (corner of Maryland and Meridian). There are restaurants everywhere just depends what you want and how much you want to spend. you can always do some Christmas shopping at the mall before hand. If you are a history buff, there is a civil war museum in the basement of the soldiers and sailors monument http://www.in.gov/iwm/2335.htm

Everything is within walking distance, just park and walk everywhere. after the races you can always hit up Steak and Shake on the corner of west Maryland and Illinois.

There are parking garages all over around the fieldhouse. And really a lot to do within walking distance.