After enduring a summer with a dearth of live sports programming, Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic is launching a special overflow channel to accommodate the abundance of games it plans to carry this fall and winter.

The network will unveil CSN+ on Friday, Oct. 5, with the game between D.C. United and the Kansas City Wizards. The Washington Capitals home opener will air on CSN's main channel.

CSN+ is not a full-time channel, but will be available when CSN's partner team's are playing at identical times.

You may recall that the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network launched a similar overflow channel, MASN2, to accommodate coverage of the Nationals and Orioles. In most instances, CSN+ will replace MASN2 on your channel lineup. You can find out for sure by typing in your zip code at CSN's Web site, comcastsportsnet.com.

“With such an abundant programming schedule to accommodate a diverse viewership, Comcast SportsNet must create an additional channel that supports all of our live sports content,” said Rebecca O’Sullivan-Schulte, senior vice president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. “With the 78 Wizards games, 75 Capitals games and numerous collegiate football and basketball matchups we will carry this year, Comcast SportsNet couldn’t fit it all on only one network."

-- Tim Lemke