Tennessee basketball announces 2020-21 nonconference schedule, including Memphis clash

Tennessee basketball starts a season on the road for the first time in coach Rick Barnes' tenure and has a trio of neutral-site highlights during its 2020-21 nonconference schedule.

Tennessee, which on Thursday announced season tickets are now on sale for Barnes' sixth season in Knoxville, released its nonconference schedule except for one yet-to-be-announced game.

It is expected that final piece will be Gonzaga on Dec. 8 in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.

Tennessee opens the regular season against Wisconsin in Madison on Nov. 11, ending a home-and-home after the Badgers beat the Vols in Knoxville in December 2019.

UT completes a three-year deal with Memphis when the in-state foes meet at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 19. The teams split the first two meetings with the Vols winning at Memphis in 2018 and the Tigers winning at UT in 2019.

The Vols play three games in the Charleston Classic from Nov. 19-22, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The bracket for the tournament has not been announced. College of Charleston, Florida State, Houston, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Seton Hall and VCU round out the group.

Tennessee finishes another home-and-home set on Dec. 12, when it hosts Cincinnati a year after losing to the Bearcats.

UT's home opener is against Presbyterian on Nov. 14, the same day Tennessee football plays at Georgia. 

The Vols also have home nonconference games against Tennessee Tech on Nov. 27, George Washington on Dec. 2, USC Upstate on Dec. 22 and Norfolk State on Dec. 29.

Tennessee will host an SEC/Big 12 Challenge game this season after going to Kansas last season. The opponent has not been announced.

SEC play begins Jan. 2, and includes nine home games and nine road contests. The SEC Tournament returns to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on March 10-14.

Tennessee fans can select from a variety of season-ticket options at AllVols.com, starting at $150. The Vol Pass ticket option also returns this season for $150.

New this year is a benefit for fans who make new ticket purchases and opt to pay via eCheck. By paying via eCheck, purchasers will receive two complimentary tickets to one 2020-21 weekday home game (excluding Kentucky).

Tennessee is regarded as one of the top teams in the nation entering next season. The Vols return John Fulkerson, Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi, while they expect Yves Pons will return after going through the NBA Draft process. 

UT signed an elite recruiting class, including five-star guards Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer. Four-star forward Corey Walker Jr. rounds out the recruiting class, and UT added grad transfer E.J. Anosike. 

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.