We've raced the race. There were no tents outside for pitting that I knew off. Did you hear that they were going to do that this year? The pits were horrible last year. Bikes stacked up every where down really tight hallways. You could hardly get through the place. I am sure a fire marshal would have had a fit for sure. Not sure tents outside sound good. The wheelie boys will be hanging out stealing bikes out of them. There is parking outside. Not so close that your goanna go back and forth more than likely. I got there early and parked clear around the opposite side of the entrance by the river. Most of the parking will charge you also.
There is a Holiday Inn Express across the river in Newport KY that I stayed in. It is close and plenty of parking right there at the hotel if you have a truck and trailer. The downtown hotels all have garages, and you would be forced to park your trailer downtown somewhere. Anywhere downtown is a few blocks from over the rhine which is total crap. It is much better than a couple years ago for sure thought. There are plenty of places to eat also across the river.
My son wants to race it again this year. I honestly, do not want to do it because it was a hassle last year. This race used to be 50 miles up the road at the Nutter center. Much better facility. Nuttter had more floor space, plenty of parking, the best indoor pits I have seen, and plenty of hotels and restaurants across the street. Plus you don't have to worry about crap being stolen. They also packed the house. My guess is US Bank arena holds more people maybe, so its about the dollar. I am sure the Nutter Center is much cheaper to rent though.