b'Opposite/Left: The main center steel structure of Sip Yard with two bars and three levels, plus the tower that houses an elevator, and restaurant structure that creates an inner perimeter. Opposite/Right: Center steel structure under construction. Above: The 2nd-level, 21+ bar area that provides separation from the family-friendly floor level of Sip Yard.While most outdoor music vendors provide per-event concessions and/or space for food trucks, the facilities for food vendors at Sip Yard are housed in a perma-nent structure with full-time kitchens, and service windows for customer access. Six unique restaurants lease space in an arrangement that allows them to remain independent and unique in what they offer Sip Yard guestsCoffee Waves, Wok On, Vibe Taco, Slicees Pizza, Mochi & More, and Bayou Bistro.Starting in the spring of 2023, curious locals as well as frequent island visitors no-ticed, first, the clearing of the big block at Alister and Cotter in Port Aransas, and the assumption among most was that another private condominium or town-home project was in the works, as was the fate of the Woodys Sports Center prop-erty that stood across the street for decades. The great hope for most was that something new would be built that is open to the public and that will enhance the overall quality of life in Port A. When news spread that an open-air, major music venue, bar and dining complex was in the works, the buzz and excitement, especially among locals including va-cation home hosts and rental agents, grew into a roar of approval as Sip Yard con-struction progressed. Their first summer season open has been a terrific success, as live music events have been strongly attended and evenings without music are busy with bar and food patrons enjoying Sip Yards beautiful atmosphere. The real benefit to Port A, however, will be most felt over the nine months of the year that are not the prime tourism season.Sip Yards reputation in the Texas, and even wider, music scene is already benefit-ing business on the island, as artists as widely-loved as Gary P. Nunn are making their way to townwhere, previously, no venue existed that was big enough to accommodate one of his shows. With a capacity of up to 1,500, Sip Yard offers the space for big acts, and even a music festival, that will bring business to Port A in the slower vacation seasons when rentals tend to be mostly vacant, but less ex-pensive. Congratulations and gratitude should be extended to the Sip Yard Port A partners for taking a chance on what is a major improvement to the island.TheCoastalBend.com THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE67'