When the Detroit Lions face off against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, Sept. 13, fans will hear two national anthems before kickoff.
The Bills announced on Wednesday, Sept. 9, that they will add the Canadian national anthem for the first time at the Highmark Stadium.
Bills fan and "Moana" voice actress Auliʻi Cravalho
will perform the American anthem while Canadian band The Barenaked Ladies will perform the Canadian anthem.While unusual for NFL teams to play both anthems, Buffalo is located on the Canadian border near Niagara Falls.
U.S. and Canadian based hockey teams typically play both anthems because of the large numbers of players from each country.
The Detroit Lions, which are based across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, have
not said whether they will play both anthems this season.
For the first time in Highmark Stadium history, we will celebrate the American and Canadian anthems during pregame.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 9, 2026
We can’t wait to have Bills fan Auliʻi Cravalho and @barenakedladies at our home opener! pic.twitter.com/i61I37Jgvp
The Bills in August announced an expansion of their radio network to three major Canadian markets in an effort to expand their fan base.
"Canada has always held a special place in the Buffalo Bills organization," said Pete Guelli, Bills president of business operations. "Our Canadian fans are an essential part of Bills Mafia, and expanding our radio network into Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa will strengthen that connection."
Tensions have been high between the United States and Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America amid a trade battle with Canada.
The original name predates the Canadian province and has deep Native American roots. Canadian officials have said they will continue to refer to the lake as Lake Ontario.
What is the Canadian national anthem?
The U.S. anthem is "The Star Spangled Banner." Canada's anthem is "O Canada."
“O Canada” was proclaimed Canada's national anthem in 1980, a century after it was first sung in 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, and the French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier.
Lyrics for the anthem are:
"O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command.
"With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide,
"O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bills add Canadian anthem ahead of Lions game. What to expect Sept. 13
