The Buffalo Bills will play both the American and Canadian national anthems before their first game at the new Highmark Stadium, a decision that has ignited a backlash from some fans.
The team announced that Auliʻi Cravalho, known for voicing Disney's Moana, will perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' while Canadian rock band The Barenaked Ladies will perform 'O Canada' as part of the pregame ceremonies for their Week 2 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions.
'For the first time in Highmark Stadium history, we will celebrate the American and Canadian anthems during pregame,' the team stated. This practice is not unprecedented in Buffalo; the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, also owned by the Pegula Family, perform the Canadian anthem before every home game. The Bills cited the substantial Canadian fanbase in Buffalo, due to the city's proximity to the border, as a reason for the inclusion.
Despite the local acceptance, the decision faced significant criticism from fans across the United States. Many took to social media to question the inclusion of a foreign national anthem. "Why a Canadian anthem? Is one of the teams from Canada?" one user asked. Another commented, "This is America, why in the world are we playing the Canadian anthem? I wouldn't expect Canada to play the American anthem at their hockey games."
Some fans expressed disappointment, calling the move "ridiculous" and a "slap in the face to every American business owner who has become victim to politics." Others speculated about the team's intentions, with one user writing, "This is a very bad look by the Bills organization in light of the current political landscape."
The Bills roster includes three players who are Canadian citizens: wide receiver Josh Palmer and linebacker Michael Hoecht, both born in Ontario, and tight end Dalton Kincaid, who holds both American and Canadian passports.
The Bills are scheduled to begin their season on the road against the Houston Texans before their home opener at Highmark Stadium.
