The Country Club Plaza is not too far and has many good choices for dinning. Bucca's is a good Italian place but the portions are outrageously big (family style) and the sauce a little too salty. Coming from the east you'll likely want BBQ or steak. Plaza III comes highly regarded but I've never been there.
Personally I'd rather stay on the Plaza (Sheraton or 4 Points) than at the Westin. Crown Center just isn't nearly as much fun. (I think the Westin goes for about $48 on priceline, FYI.)
Of the touristy things to do around Crown Center, I enjoyed the tour of Union Station the best. It's a short walk attached to Crown Center by elevated pedestrian walkway.
You can likely scalp decent tickets at the game for face value.