Facility Overview

The Old National Events Plaza Parking lot serves as the dedicated official parking grounds for the premier convention and auditorium facility in Evansville, Indiana. Situated at 1000-1098 Walnut Street (stretching toward the corner of Locust and 9th Streets directly behind the plaza), this massive open-air surface facility features approximately 1,100 parking stalls. Because the lot is fully open to the sky with no low-clearance overhead barriers or parking deck restrictions, it offers virtually unlimited vertical clearance. This makes it an outstanding parking option for all vehicle types, ranging from compact passenger sedans and hybrid crossovers to full-size pickup trucks, passenger transit vans, and wheelchair-accessible conversions.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically situated in the heart of Downtown Evansville’s civic district, the lot provides immediate on-foot access to the Old National Events Plaza, home to the 2,500-seat Aiken Theatre and 280,000 square feet of convention and expo space. In addition to serving convention delegates and theater patrons, the lot is located within convenient walking distance of major regional sports, entertainment, and municipal venues:

• Old National Events Plaza: Direct pedestrian access adjacent to the lot (0-minute walk).
• Ford Center: A premier 11,000-seat multi-use sports and concert arena hosting Evansville Thunderbolts hockey and University of Evansville Purple Aces basketball, located just 3 blocks west (approximately an 8-minute walk).
• Civic Center Complex & Vanderburgh County Courthouse: Situated directly across MLK Jr. Boulevard (approximately a 4-minute walk).
• Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe): Interactive family cultural museum located within 7 blocks (a 10-minute walk).
• Downtown Evansville Main Street District: Packed with regional bistros, coffee shops, craft breweries, and entertainment venues along Main Street (approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk).

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Entering and exiting the Old National Events Plaza lot is straightforward, with primary access points situated along Locust Street, 9th Street, and Walnut Street. Broad drive aisles ensure fluid ingress even during peak event arrivals. Following major theatrical performances or sellout arena nights, multiple perimeter exits direct departing traffic efficiently toward MLK Jr. Boulevard and the Lloyd Expressway (IN-66), which connects seamlessly to US-41 and Interstate 69. For public transit users, the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) operates local bus routes stopping along MLK Jr. Blvd and Walnut Street, linking passengers to the METS Downtown Transit Center just minutes away.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• 1,100+ Open-Air Stalls: Spacious surface layout accommodating large crowds without tight multi-story ramp navigation.
• Complimentary Parking: Unlike many downtown metropolitan venues, event and standard parking in this primary lot is generally provided free of charge by the venue.
• Designated ADA Accessibility: Prominently marked handicap-accessible parking stalls located adjacent to paved, step-free pedestrian walkways leading directly to venue entrances.
• Bright Evening Lighting: High-mast floodlights throughout the grounds to ensure visibility and visitor safety during late-night concert and theater dismissals.
• Oversized Vehicle Accommodation: Ample maneuvering room and unobstructed vertical clearance ideal for high-profile vehicles, lifted trucks, and commercial vans.

Ideal For

• Theater & Concertgoers: Visitors attending Broadway touring shows, comedy tours, and concerts at the Aiken Theatre.
• Convention & Trade Show Attendees: Business professionals and exhibitors participating in expos, conventions, and civic banquets.
• Sports Spectators: Fans attending events at the nearby Ford Center seeking convenient, hassle-free parking within easy walking distance.
• Civic Visitors: Individuals conducting business at the Evansville Civic Center Complex, local government courts, and administrative offices.

Visitor & Driver Tips

For high-profile, sold-out performances or large-scale multi-day conventions, plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes ahead of scheduled curtain or tip-off times to secure parking spaces closer to the main venue entrances. If accessing the lot via the Lloyd Expressway, follow signage for the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit and proceed south directly to Locust Street. While parking is free and open, always double-check event-specific advisories during regional festivals or combined Ford Center and Events Plaza double-booking nights to confirm traffic routing adjustments.