The Buffalo Bills will perform both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems at their home opener on September 17 at the new Highmark Stadium, marking the first time the venue hosts such a dual ceremony.
Auliʻi Cravalho, known for voicing Disney’s Moana, will sing The Star-Spangled Banner, while the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies will perform O Canada. The decision follows the Bills’ announcement on X (formerly Twitter), drawing mixed reactions from fans and observers.
Immediate Reaction and Fan Responses
Public response to the announcement has been divided. Some supporters criticized the inclusion of O Canada, arguing that the NFL is an American sport played in America. One commenter on the Bills’ X post wrote: “Not okay. This is an AMERICAN sport played in AMERICA. What does Canada have to do with it?” Another stated: “Did the Bills move to Canada? Come on, the Canadian Bills fans are good people but we don’t need to hear their song.”
Conversely, others defended the gesture as a recognition of the Buffalo Bills’ Canadian fanbase, noting that 8,000 season tickets are held by Canadians and that 18% of Highmark Stadium seat deposits in 2025 came from Canadian purchasers. The team has played select games in Toronto from 2008 to 2013 to expand its Canadian audience.
Context: Trade Tensions and Cross-Border Relations
The Bills’ decision comes amid escalating trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian imports and signed executive orders renaming Canadian border landmarks, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced retaliatory tariffs and encouraged reducing trade dependence on the U.S.
The Bills’ executive vice president and COO, Pete Guelli, previously emphasized the team’s commitment to the Canadian market, telling The New York Times last year: “Regardless of the climate, we’re going into Toronto. The passion for the Bills in that market has not subsided at all.”
Team Response and Unanswered Questions
The Bills have not publicly explained whether the dual anthem performance will become a permanent fixture or remain a one-time event for the stadium’s inaugural NFL game. Team representatives did not respond to inquiries from multiple outlets, including OutKick and Reuters, about the rationale behind the decision.
The Highmark Stadium opener against the Detroit Lions will be the first NFL game held at the venue, which opened earlier this year. The Bills’ home opener follows their September 13 road game against the Houston Texans.
Historical Precedent and League Norms
While the NFL does not typically feature O Canada at games, other major U.S. leagues—including the NHL, MLB, and NBA—routinely perform both anthems due to the presence of Canadian teams and cross-border games. The Bills’ move aligns with this practice but remains an unusual step for an NFL franchise.
No official statement from the Bills or the NFL has addressed whether the dual anthem will be adopted league-wide in response to the trade tensions or as a gesture of goodwill.