The Buffalo Bills will pay tribute to Canada

As a historic moment for the franchise approaches, the Buffalo Bills want to honor their many Canadian fans.

For their first
regular-season game in their new stadium, the NFL team has planned a musical ceremony bringing the two neighboring countries together.

On September 17, before the game against the Detroit Lions, spectators at Highmark Stadium will hear the Canadian and U.S. national anthems performed one after the other. The Canadian band Barenaked Ladies will perform “O Canada,” while actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho will sing the U.S. national anthem.

This choice takes on special significance given that relations between Ottawa and Washington are particularly strained. Trade disputes are mounting, and Donald Trump's statements
regarding Canada's future and sovereignty have contributed to a cooling of relations between the two neighbors.

For Buffalo, however, this outreach to Canada is nothing new. Since the city is located right on the border, local sports teams have long enjoyed significant support from the north.

A tradition that transcends sports rivalries

The Buffalo Sabres have already made the Canadian and American national anthems a true tradition at their home games. No matter who the opposing team is, both national anthems are usually performed before the games.

This closeness to Canadian fans was demonstrated in spectacular fashion last April. During a Stanley Cup playoff game against the Boston Bruins, a microphone malfunction prevented the singer from finishing “O Canada.” The fans in attendance then spontaneously took over to finish the anthem.

The Bills, too, can count on a large community of Canadian supporters. According to data released by the franchise last year, Canadian residents typically account for between 10 and 15 percent of its season-ticket holders.

By choosing to perform both national anthems for this first official game at their new home, the Bills are highlighting both this new chapter in their history and the special ties that bind Buffalo to fans across the border.

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