The Buffalo Bills announced that the pre‑game ceremony for their home opener at Highmark Stadium will include both the American and Canadian national anthems. The decision comes as the United States and Canada are in the midst of a trade dispute.
The Canadian rock group Barenaked Ladies will perform “O Canada” while Auli’i Cravalho, known for voicing the title character in Disney’s ‘Moana,’ will sing “The Star‑Spangled Banner.” The dual anthem marks a first for the new stadium.
President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian imports and issued executive orders that rename border landmarks, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to retaliate with tariffs of his own and call for reduced trade reliance on the U.S.
Buffalo has previously played games in Toronto between 2008 and 2013 to grow its Canadian fan base, but the Bills did not explain why they chose to feature both anthems or whether it will become a regular practice.
Online responses were mixed; some fans criticized the move as unnecessary, while others welcomed it, citing the Sabres’ long‑standing tradition of playing both anthems and the close ties between Buffalo and Ontario.
Neither the Bills nor the performers’ representatives responded to requests for comment, and the team’s statement did not clarify whether the gesture was intended to support Canada or ease tensions amid the ongoing trade conflict.
