I don't know about a specific bar that would be the best, but Broad Ripple is going to be your best area to go out. Several bars within about a 1/4 mile strip. And not far from Butler. If you are looking for a hotel by zip code, 46220 would be the one to do a search around. (The hotels will probably not be in 46220, but it'll give you the closest ones). The area immediately surrounding Broad Ripple doesn't have many (if any) hotels, it's residential, but you can get a cab if you don't have a designated driver.

Start at Moe & Johnny's at 54th and College Ave. (a street that, despite its name, does not run through the college campus, but Hinkle is right on 49th St. a few blocks south and west; 49th leads straight east to College Ave. from Hinkle.) Moe & Johnny's used to be called the Bulldog (Butler Bulldogs -- get it?). Anyway, Nicki is right; head straight up College Ave. from Moe & Johnny's to the Broad Ripple area around 62nd Street. Plenty of bars/restaurants all within walking distance. Closest motels will likely be on Meridian Street north of 86th Street. Downtown hotels would be cooler but a more complicated drive to Butler.

There are no hotels anywhere near the Butler campus. The nearest will be right off of I-465 (our version of 270) at the Keystone or Meridian street exits. Or downtown, which will be expensive. Either way, it is driving distance, no doubt about it.

Moe & Johnny's is going to be packed. Instead, go down to the Red Key, at the corner of 52d & College. Just walk in, throw your coat on a chair, and yell "Hey A$@hole, get me a beer" at the bartender. You'll have a great time.

No fair giving bad advice -- you might as well tell him to put his feet up on a chair, like I did once. I was quickly reprimanded. One reason why, despite its old-fashioned "real bar" ambience, I'm not a big Red Key fan. It reminds me of every smalltown American Legion hall I've ever been in -- and I've been in a lot.

Traders Point Bar and Grill at 86th and Zionsville Road might be the ticket,Plenty of plasma screens,good food, pool and music there are Hotels very close and easy access to the freeway. Myself I'm 50 but when I visit or play there it's full of young folks.