The NFL’s Buffalo Bills have made a surprising announcement amidst escalating tensions in the trade war involving President Donald Trump’s actions against Canada. The team revealed on Wednesday through a social media platform that both the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada,” and the American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” will be performed before their September 17 home opener against the Detroit Lions at the new Highmark Stadium.
This event will mark the first time in the history of Highmark Stadium that both anthems will be celebrated during the pregame festivities. Auliʻi Cravalho, an actress and singer, is set to perform the American anthem, while the renowned Toronto band Barenaked Ladies will sing “O Canada.”
In Buffalo, it is uncommon to hear the Canadian national anthem before NFL games, although it is a regular practice before NHL games, even when the Sabres face American opponents. Notably, fans at KeyBank Center in Buffalo sang “O Canada” in April after a technical issue with the microphone before a Sabres playoff game against the Boston Bruins.
The escalating trade war between Canada and the U.S. saw President Trump signing proclamations to ban various Canadian imports, including alcohol and motorcycles, as well as imposing 50% tariffs on other products. This move came in response to Canadian retaliatory tariffs activated after failed trade negotiations last month.
In a statement regarding Canada’s decision not to sign a trade deal amid the tariff disputes, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the importance of protecting Canada’s sovereignty and key industries. The Buffalo Bills’ owners, Terry and Kim Pegula, acquired the team in 2014 for $1.4 billion US from the estate of the late Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson.
Moreover, the Bills’ ownership group welcomed NBA Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, along with former U.S. National Team soccer player and Toronto FC star Jozy Altidore, as new limited partners in 2024. This move marked the first time in franchise history that minority owners were added.
