So am i overlooking it ...

[TravisATWA]

...or is there no way to "pre load" the game? Other games ive pre ordered via steam would let me install them prior to them unlocking

 

[smallfish]

Apparently the preorder is located in your CiV DLC menu (in Steam Library)

 

[Eagle Pursuit]

G&K is considered a DLC to Steam, so it doesn't seem likely that you can pre-load the software.

 

[compwiz1202]

Hopefully the files snuck in with the patch, and it is just lying dormant waiting to unlock.