As far as parking goes. The place where you will end up parking is the deck (water street I think). I THINK you save a buck or two by pre-purchase of a ticket to park. At the very least you will have a place at the lot even if it is 'full' as they hold sports for the prepays.
As an FYI, just up from Starr Hill (right at UVA corner) is the satellite ballroom. Small place but they have some decent shows on occasion.