In the areas in the immediate vicinity of the arena, not very. You have a nice strip of bars, hotels and theaters on the South Pearl/North Pearl area, so it's fine. As I previously mentioned, there is a free garage across the highway from the arena, that's very easy to get into and out of because it is attached right to the plaza arterial. Just follow the signs for the Empire State Plaza, go under the concourse (ignore all of the parking signs under there) loop around and get back onto the arterial. The first exit after you come out from underneath the concourse will lead you right to the garage. If you are willing to walk (not far) that's where I park. It's free after all the state workers leave (and on weekends) and not far from the TUC. I have gotten out of events at 11:30 and it is still open, I think it's one of those 24 hour garages. Not sure though.