Well, this is it. Starting Friday, we're knee deep in ACL Fest for the last three-day weekend format before it switches over to an improved two-weekend schedule next year.

Even for veterans, the festival feels like a different beast from year to year, with new bands and different ways of experiencing the music. To keep you festival-goers happy and on top of your game, CultureMap has pulled together the top five tips on what's in store for you at this year's festival.

Enhancements to Wristband Credentials

The best news for one-day attendees is the opportunity to have a wristband, allowing for everyone to come in and out of the park as they please. This was not the case before, and it has led to thousands of disheartened music lovers throughout the years.

Now, with the RFID capabilities, you can actually register your wristband, allowing you to replace it if you somehow lose it in a mosh pit. Registering also registers you to win VIP upgrades and prizes from the festival as well.

Improvements to the ACL Fest 2012 App

The ACL app has been vital to scheduling the festival for years now, but this year you can also use the GroupMe chat function, which allows you to stay in communication with your group across the park. (Don't lose the flags or blow-up dolls, though; that's tradition.)

You can also post Instagram photos for the whole festival to see just by tagging #aclfest. And, the music doesn't stop once you leave the park, thanks to the Slacker Radio ACL Fest Channel, which is streaming shows throughout the weekend.

Wider selection of Austin-Friendly Food and Drink

The amazing food selection is one of the best parts about ACL Fest, and this year, it's getting even better. Chi'lantro and Second Bar + Kitchen are two of the new additions to the ginormous food tent area, which already features Mighty Cone, Mandola's, The Seedling Truck and The Salt Lick.

Additionally, reflecting our city's growing reputation as a serious craft brewing community, the Zilker Drafthouse tent will have a huge selection of craft beers on tap.

Watch the Texas/OU Game at the Festival

It's a rare occurrence when the famous Red River Rivalry falls on the same weekend as ACL Fest, but this year some very hard decisions had to be made by fans of football and rock. For those who chose ACL, we salute you.

And you should know that you can still watch the game on Saturday at the Rock Island Hideaway (in the middle of the festival, behind the Austin Ventures stage). Just make sure you're wearing burnt orange because this IS Longhorn territory...

Watch the Festival Action on the Web

If you didn't get tickets, don't fret too much. While you won't get to experience the artists in person, you can basically get a front row seat in the comfort of your home by tuning in to the ACL Fest YouTube channel. This official webcast will happen in real time, filmed on stage with the performers, so you don't have to miss a moment of the action.

It's easier than running from stage to stage while two of your favorite acts are performing at the same time (like, ahem, Friday night...).

Those are the biggest announcements for this year, so you're now in the know. ACL pre- and after-parties are sprouting up all over town at all hours of the night as well, so keep your ear and eyes open for all the best chances to keep the party going 24/7.

Finally, as if I were your mother, I will remind you to also check the weather updates every morning and plan accordingly. You might need a poncho AND sunscreen on the same day if the weather keeps up like it's been this week.

Go now. Have fun. Be safe. Wear earplugs. Come home at a decent hour. Make good choices. You know how we worry about you.