Durham will have the distinction of providing Essex with their first taste of county cricket action at Southend's Garon Park next season.
Replacing Southchurch Park, the new venue will host the four-day Championship clash starting on August 3 and will be followed by a totesport League battle with Middlesex on August 7.
Somerset will visit Colchester's Castle Park for a four-day duel on August 24 while Hampshire provide the totesport opposition on August 28.
Following a plea from many supporters for more play on Saturdays and Sundays, the county have secured nearly 20 days of weekend action next summer.
Three Championship matches at Chelmsford will start on Friday, while another begins on a Sunday. Four totesport League games are also planned for a Sunday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article