Like a Hoos’ defensive possession that culminates in a shot-clock violation, the anticipation has been building for years.

Now it’s finally here.

Well, almost.

In a little more than two months, the ACC Network – a cable and satellite channel owned by ESPN dedicated to 24/7 coverage of Atlantic Coast Conference – will debut.

Ever since ESPN partnered with the Southeastern Conference to form the SEC Channel in 2014, ACC fans had wondered when they would get their own smorgasbord of content to satisfy their sports cravings.

Here are five things every Hoo fan should know about the new network, which will begin broadcasting on Thursday, Aug. 22.

What can I expect to see on the channel?

There will be approximately 450 live events, including 40 regular-season football games, 150 men’s and women’s basketball games, and 200 other regular-season competitions and tournament games from across the conference’s 27 sponsored sports that will be televised annually, plus a complement of news and information shows and original programming.

When combined with ACCNE (the channel’s digital platform), there will be more than 1,300 events broadcast in the first year.

Which UVA football games will be on the network this fall?

The Hoos’ first three games of the season – at Pittsburgh on Saturday, Aug. 31; vs. William & Mary on Friday, Sept. 6; and vs. Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 14 – will be broadcast exclusively on the channel.

Will there be any UVA-focused shows?

Yes. Many are still in the planning stages, but one of the more notable pieces of Hoos-related programming will be a documentary on the basketball team’s journey to an NCAA championship.

How do I get the ACC Network?

As of now, the channel will be offered on DIRECTV, Google Fiber, Hulu Live TV, Layer3 TV, Optimum, PlayStation Vue, Suddenlink, Verizon Fios, as well as to members of the NRTC and Vivicast Media and more.

For the latest list, click here. If you don’t see your provider listed, you can contact your provider and make a request that they carry it.

Customers receiving the channel from their pay TV provider will also have access to it on computers, tablets, mobile phones and TV connected devices via the ESPN app.

If I’m currently a UVA student, can I get involved?

Yes! All ACC students will have the chance to apply for ESPN internships. Production opportunities also exist across all 15 schools to work on ESPN telecasts as part of the school control room project. At UVA, this has already been taking place through the media studies department.