Thursday 2 June 2016 17:40, UK
Rangers will kick off their 2016-17 season with a Betfred Cup group stage clash against Motherwell at Fir Park.
Dates for the new-look competition were announced on Thursday and Mark Warburton's side will begin their Group F campaign on 16 July.
Rangers secured promotion back to the Ladbrokes Premiership last season but their 2014-15 campaign ended with a 6-1 play-off defeat over two legs at the hands of Motherwell, so they will hope for a measure of revenge this summer.
Following their Group opener, Rangers will be at home to Annan three days later, before facing East Stirlingshire, who have recently been relegated to the Scottish Lowland League, at Ochilview on 22 July.
The Light Blues' final group game will be against Stranraer at Ibrox on 25 July.
Ray McKinnon's first match in charge of Dundee United will be away to Arbroath on 15 July 15 in Group C and holders Ross County will kick off the defence of their trophy with a trip to Montrose on 16 July.
St Mirren, who won the trophy in 2013, are also on duty on 16 July, as they travel to Livingston.
The new-look competition involves eight groups of five, with the section winners and four best-placed runners-up progressing to the second round, where they will join Scotland's four European entrants.
There is also the added twist that drawn matches will go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with the winner landing a bonus point.
The final is to return to its traditional autumn setting, with the Hampden showpiece booked for 27 November.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "Following the Betfred Cup Group Stage draw, today's announcement of the group fixtures heightens the anticipation for the competition's big kick-off in mid-July.
"There are some really cracking matches in prospect to be enjoyed by supporters of the 40 clubs involved and by those watching across Scotland and beyond."
