Google Play brought a festival-long rewards program to ACL 2025. Gold+ Play Points members can unlock digital “road cases,” while everyone can find on-site games at a 20-foot road-case tower with hourly “Showstopper” competitions and priority entry for Silver+. Expect limited artist merch, Candy Crush bundles, and Diamond Valley’s return on Oct 15. Full details below.
What is the Google Play Rewards Tour at ACL 2025?
Google Play’s Rewards Tour is a mix of in-app drops and on-site games designed for Play Points members during Austin City Limits. Online, Gold+ members get a digital road case with surprise rewards. On the ground at Zilker Park, you’ll see a 20-foot tower of road cases where you play a quick, roadie-style challenge. Once an hour, “Showstopper mode” lets eight players compete head-to-head for bigger prizes.
Who it’s for: Anyone can join Play Points free, but perks scale with tier. Gold+ gets the digital case; Silver+ gets extras like prioritized entry and access to artist meet-and-greets at the Google Store in Austin’s Domain Northside. Availability and terms apply.
Dates, Location
- When: ACL 2025 runs Oct 3–5 and Oct 10–12.
- Where: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas.
- Meet-and-greets: Google Store at Domain Northside, with priority access for Silver+.
Watch Google Play’s social channels for weekend-specific updates (especially Weekend 1).
Perks you can actually get
Artist merch: Google Play is highlighting festival artists such as MARINA and Role Model with tour-style merchandise. These are typically limited drops tied to the Rewards Tour, so expect “while supplies last.”
Candy Crush Saga bundles & shoe charms: If you play Candy Crush, look for three new booster bundles and collectible shoe charms rolling out on October 3 redeemable with Play Points. The bundles are designed for the upcoming Music Season, so timing your claim can help you progress faster.
Diamond Valley returns (Oct 15): Google Play’s treasure-hunt mini-game is coming back October 15. Historically, Diamond Valley has offered entries for prizes like Pixel devices, Razer gear, and Play Points bonuses. Expect a limited run with specific prize windows, tier bonuses, and regional availability.
Step by step: Claiming your road case and on-site rewards
1) Join Play Points and check your tier
Open Google Play → Play Points → Join (free). Your tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) depends on past spend/points. Gold+ is required for the digital road case; Silver+ enjoys priority entry at on-site activations.
2) Claim your digital road case (Gold+)
Watch the Rewards Tour editorial page or in-app prompts. When your case drops, open it to reveal surprise rewards. If you don’t see it, update Google Play, confirm your tier, and check back during ACL weekend windows.
3) On-site flow at Zilker Park
- Find the tower: Look for the 20-ft road-case tower inside the festival.
- Queue with your app ready: Have Play Points open; network might be spotty.
- Play the roadie challenge: Quick, game-ified tasks; results display on-site.
- Showstopper mode (hourly): Eight players face off for bigger rewards. If you miss a slot, try the next hour.
- Prize pick-up: Follow staff directions to claim physical items or digital credits.
4) Meet-and-greets (Silver+ priority)
Head to the Google Store at Domain Northside during posted windows. Be early. Bring ID tied to your Google account if staff needs to verify status.
Troubleshooting tips
- App not showing perks? Force-close Play, clear cache, and reopen.
- Tier mismatch? It can take time to reflect; refresh and recheck.
- Out of stock? Perks are limited; try again at the next Showstopper cycle or check the online road case drops.
Play Points tiers at a glance
| Tier | Online “Road Case” | On-Site Priority | Meet-and-Greets Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | No | Standard | Standard | Join free; still eligible for some on-site fun |
| Silver | No | Yes | Yes | Good baseline perks during ACL |
| Gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Unlocks the digital road case |
| Platinum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Higher-tier status often helps with limited drops |
| Diamond | Yes | Yes | Yes | Top tier; watch for premium surprises |
Firsthand walk-through: A weekend using the Rewards Tour (mini case study)
Friday afternoon, you open Google Play and see the Rewards Tour banner. As a Gold member, your digital road case appears inside is a limited-edition slipmat and a points bonus. At Zilker, you spot the tower near mid-afternoon; a staffer scans your app and you jump into a quick roadie challenge it’s light, fast, and honestly a good break between sets. You miss Showstopper this hour, so you queue again at the next one and squeak into the eight-player bracket, snagging a festival collectible. Sunday morning you hit the Google Store at Domain Northside for a brief meet-and-greet (your Silver+ status moves you through a faster line). After Weekend 1, you calendar Oct 15 to revisit Diamond Valley when it reopens.
Practical considerations & limits
- Availability: Perks are limited and may vary by tier/region.
- Timing: Online drops often align with festival weekends; Showstopper runs hourly on site.
- Rules: Standard Play Points terms apply; Candy Crush bundles are for members via Google Play.
- Logistics: Leave room in your schedule; real-world queues ebb and flow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Google Play Rewards Tour at ACL?
A combined digital-plus-on-site rewards program for Play Points members during ACL, with online road-case drops and a 20-ft tower game at Zilker Park.
How do I qualify for a digital road case?
You need to be Gold tier or higher in Play Points during the ACL promo window.
What’s Showstopper mode?
An hourly on-site competition where eight players go head-to-head for bigger rewards.
What Candy Crush perks are included?
Three booster bundles and collectible shoe charms, rolling out on Oct 3 for Play Points members.
When does Diamond Valley return?
October 15. Expect a time-limited treasure hunt with prize entries.
Where are meet-and-greets?
At the Google Store, Domain Northside (Austin), with priority for Silver+ members.
What are ACL 2025 dates and location?
Oct 3–5 & 10–12 at Zilker Park, Austin, Texas.
Can non-members participate on site?
You can join Play Points free; tier benefits and some perks are member-only.
Checklist
Before ACL
- Join Play Points; confirm tier.
- Update Google Play app; enable notifications.
- Skim the festival map and Google Play activation location.
- Pack ID; plan a Domain Northside stop if you want meet-and-greets.
During ACL
- Check the in-app Rewards Tour page for road case drops.
- Hit the tower early; aim for an hourly Showstopper slot.
- Watch socials for flash updates.
After Weekend 1
- Return Oct 15 for Diamond Valley.
- Track Play Points balance; consider redeeming for merch.
Featured Snippet Boxes
What is Google Play’s Rewards Tour at ACL 2025?
A festival-long program for Play Points members featuring online “road case” drops and on-site games at a 20-ft tower, with hourly Showstopper competitions and limited rewards.
Who gets the digital road case?
Gold tier and above Play Points members during the ACL promo window. Silver+ still get on-site priority perks and meet-and-greet access.
When does Diamond Valley return?
October 15. Expect a time-limited treasure hunt with prize entries for devices, merch, and points (terms apply).
