And Rovers – whose U23 side plays in the top-flight of Premier League Two and last season lifted the Lancashire FA Senior Cup – will be the first visitors to Shawbridge.
Coach Damien Johnson will bring his side to Clitheroe on Thursday, 18 July for a 7.45pm kick-off.

Phil Brown’s new-look Clitheroe squad, which starts pre-season training at the end of June, will launch their public preparations away to Nelson on Saturday, 13 July (3pm).

Following the visit of Rovers, the Blues then go to Charnock Richard and AFC Blackpool before a visit to Barnoldswick at the end of July.

Brown’s men then step up their programme with home games against Evo Stik top-flight sides Bamber Bridge and former club Lancaster City before the Evo Stik Division One season starts on Saturday, 17 August.

“We’re delighted to be playing Blackburn and grateful to them for sending a side, which will hopefully make it a good night for the players and the supporters,” said Brown, who took charge of the Blues last month.

“I think we have a good mix of games at the right levels to help us bed in and work with what will be a new squad.

“And it’s all geared up towards being as ready as possible for when the real thing starts in the middle of August. I think there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Pre-season fixtures:

Saturday 13 July: Nelson (A) 2pm ***NOTE KO TIME***
Thursday 18 July: Blackburn Rovers U23s (H) 7.45pm
Saturday 20 July: Charnock Richard (A)
Saturday 27 July: AFC Blackpool (A) 3pm
Tuesday 30 July: Barnoldswick Town (A) 7.45pm

Saturday 3 August: Bamber Bridge (H) 3pm
Saturday 10 August: Lancaster City (H) 3pm
Saturday 17 August: Evo-Stik League season starts

Admission prices for the friendlies and all fixtures will be released shortly.