The Buffalo Bills have joined the conversation relating to diplomatic relations between the United States and Canada. The team is taking the side of the True North strong and free, in a sense.
The team announced on Wednesday that they will be performing the Canadian national anthem for the first time at Highmark Stadium during the Bills' home opener in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football
.In doing so, the Bills join the crosstown Buffalo hockey team, the Sabres, who play the anthem before every game at KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo.
The Bills announced anthem singers for both the United States and Canadian anthem in a release:
For the first time in Highmark Stadium history, we will celebrate the American and Canadian
anthems during pregame. We can’t wait to have Bills fan Auliʻi Cravalho and @barenakedladies at our home opener! pic.twitter.com/i61I37Jgvp
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 9, 2026
The Bills have not stated whether or not this will occur for every home game at Highmark Stadium this season after the first one.
Tensions have been high between the United States and Canada which has involved President Donald Trump renaming Lake Ontario, which borders western New York, to "Lake America." Many in the Buffalo region have declined to use the new name because of an affection for their nearby Canadian neighbors.
All in all, the Bills are making a very neighborly gesture to play both anthems.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills introduce nod to fans from Canada at new Highmark Stadium
