With the Buffalo Bills set to debut their brand-new stadium this season, a decision about the National Anthem performance before the first game in the venue has drawn strong criticism from fans. With Allen and the Bills beginning the season on the road on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Houston Texans, they'll play their home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17, against the NFC's Detroit Lions at Orchard Park's new Highmark Stadium. As with all NFL games, they'll feature the singing or playing of the United States' national anthem before kickoff, with Bills fan Auliʻi Cravalho performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at "Thursday Night Football." In addition, the Bills will feature a special performance of Canada's national anthem, "O Canada." NFL games don't regularly include Canada's national anthem, although the NHL, MLB, and the NBA feature it before many games.
All of those leagues have Canadian teams and play games in both the United States and Canada. Smith Issues Stark Warning About Kyler Murray’s NFL Future Many commenters expressed frustration over the decision, reacting to the Buffalo Bills' X post announcing the big decision for the home opener. "Not okay @BuffaloBills not okay.
This is an AMERICAN sport played in AMERICA. What does Canada have to do with it?" a commenter said. "Did the Bills move to Canada?
Come on, the Canadian Bills fans are good people but, we don’t need to hear their song. Do better Buffalo," another individual commented. The reason they do the Canadian in hockey is half the league is Canadian.
I understand Buffalo is close to Canada has Canadian fans but I don’t think it’s necessary," someone else wrote. Well-known Toronto-based band Barenaked Ladies will perform "O Canada" to show appreciation and respect for Bills fans in Canada. Buffalo is about two hours away from Toronto, so it is close enough for Canadian fans to drive to games and support the Bills.
As of this writing, the Bills are heading into their season as one of the top three contenders to win the Super Bowl in 2027. They are currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens at +1000 odds to win the big game, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams, who are the +500 favorites. The Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions at their home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17, with kickoff at 8:15 p.m.
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