What a difference a couple of miles can make, in one specific case it’s the difference of a couple million dollars.

The City of Ralston today announcing that the Ralston Arena will soon be known as the Liberty First Credit Union Arena, a 10 year deal bringing the city a total of nearly $1.7 million.

Two and a half miles north on 72nd street Baxter Arena brings the University of Nebraska at Omaha $4 million for ten years.

Since opening in 2012 Ralston’s arena—which has struggled financially—has been a no name operation, despite city officials’ constant attempts to land a sponsor.

According to a statement from the city things are turning around. Officials point to recently sold out shows for country artists Cody Johnson and Walker Hayes and comedian Gabrielle “Fluffy” Iglesias as well as upcoming national acts including Cole Swindell and Alice Cooper.

Ralston is the smallest of the area’s main venues with a seating capacity of 4,400 compared to 8,000 at Baxter.

Other bigger area venues bring far bigger bucks for their naming rights:

  • CHI Health Center in Omaha is a $24 million, 20 year deal.
  • Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena $ 11.25 million over 25 years.
  • TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha $20.15 million over 20 years.

According to Ralston City Administrator Richard Hoppe, the deal deal is all about the future. “Today’s announcement is evidence of the arena’s evolution into a regional leader for event centers of our class,” said Hoppe. “It is a great place to be for high quality, affordable, entertainment.”