BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University football will play at two of college football's most famed venues in coming years when it travels to face Southeastern Conference powers Tennessee in 2016 and Georgia in 2017.

Appalachian State's first-ever matchup versus Tennessee is slated for the 2016 season opener (Sept. 3) at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. The date for the Mountaineers' 2017 visit to Georgia's Sanford Stadium has not been set.

Despite being separated by just 161 miles, Appalachian State and Tennessee have never met on the gridiron.

The Mountaineers and Georgia have squared off only once — on Nov. 9 of last season when App State jumped out to an early lead and trailed just 17-6 late in the third quarter before the Bulldogs pulled away for a 45-6 victory.

“Playing at Tennessee and Georgia is exciting for everyone associated with our football program,” Appalachian State interim director of athletics Rick Beasley said. “These games give our coaches and student-athletes a great opportunity to compete against top-notch Southeastern Conference teams at two of college football's most historic stadiums and allows App Nation to make short trips to support the Mountaineers in those famous venues.”

APPALACHIAN STATE FOOTBALL FUTURE NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS

2015
Sept. 5 vs. Howard
Sept. 12 at Clemson
Sept. 26 at Old Dominion
Oct. 3 vs. Wyoming

2016
Sept. 3 at Tennessee
Sept. 10 vs. Old Dominion
Sept. 24 at Akron

2017
Sept. 16 vs. Akron
TBA at Georgia

2018
Sept. 8 at Charlotte
Sept. 15 vs. Southern Miss

2019
Sept. 7 vs. Charlotte

2021
Sept. 4 at Wyoming