Barnsley are the visitors on Saturday 6 August for the first game of the Championship season and both sides will have new managers in the dug-outs with the former England boss facing up to opposite number Keith Hill who succeeded Mark Robins at Oakwell recently.
"It's a great feeling to be here at Nottingham Forest," said McClaren when unveiled to the press on Thursday.
"You can smell the history and tradition of this club. I don't feel I have anything to prove after England.
"Before and after England I have been successful and I have come back here for a challenge and for a club with great ambitions in Nottingham Forest."
Forest have also announced a pre-season clash against PSV Eindhoven to take place at the City Ground on Wednesday 27 July.