BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced special dates for for the 2016 football season on Monday.

• White Effect – Military Appreciation vs. Boston College (Sept. 17)
• Orange Effect – Homecoming vs. East Carolina (Sept. 24)
• Maroon Effect – Thursday Night Football vs. Miami (Oct. 20)

The initial ACC contest for Justin Fuente as Virginia Tech’s head coach on Sept. 17 will also mark Military Appreciation Day and the annual White Effect game, as the Hokies face Boston College at Lane Stadium. The department will work with local military organizations and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to honor our veterans, as well as the men and women currently serving our nation.

Virginia Tech has slated Sept. 24 vs. East Carolina as homecoming, a contest that will also serve as the annual Orange Effect game. Maroon Effect at Lane Stadium will feature ACC opponent visiting Blacksburg on Oct. 20. Shirts for all three “effect games” will be available for purchase beginning at the Maroon-Orange Spring Game on April 23 and at the University Bookstore thereafter.

Fans who haven’t already renewed their season tickets for the 2016 season may do so through March 14. Details for fans wishing to purchase new season tickets will be made available once the renewal window closes. Renewals have been very strong, so don’t miss your chance to be part of these three special games and Tech’s entire slate of home games that also includes contests vs. Liberty (Sept. 3), Georgia Tech (Nov. 12) and Virginia (Nov. 26).

Behind an explosive offense and opportunistic defense, Fuente and his staff rebuilt the Memphis program, lifting the Tigers to 19 wins and two bowl appearances in the past two seasons.

The Hokies wrapped up their 23rd consecutive winning season by beating Tulsa in the Independence Bowl, which marked the program’s 23rd straight bowl appearance – the longest active streak recognized by the NCAA. Tech returns eight starters on offense and seven on defense from those who started in the bowl game.

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