The game, which sees Roy Keane return to his former club, will take place during the week commencing 25th August.
It is worth noting that Sunderland recently faced Forest in a pre-season friendly - the tie ending in a 1-nil win to the Black Cats, courtesy of a Michael Chopra goal.
Meanwhile, Newcastle and Middlesbrough will be up against it when they visit Championship side Coventry and host League 1's Yeovil respectively.