Historic Anthem Debut
Buffalo Bills to play both U.S. and Canadian anthems at historic home opener.
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Key Points
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Fans will receive LED bracelets before kickoff, which are planned to illuminate during OneRepublic’s halftime performance.
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The game is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. and will also be carried on the Buffalo Bills Radio Network, including Rock 95.1 FM in Rochester.
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The Bills’ gesture comes as many residents on both sides of the border remain broadly neighborly despite tensions between the U.S. and Canadian governments over trade.
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The inclusion of both anthems follows a recent moment at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, where Sabres fans stepped in to sing after singer Cami Clune’s microphone failed.
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A sports-and-STEM educational exhibit is scheduled to open later in September as part of the broader Highmark Stadium event programming.
The Buffalo Bills will make history on September 17 by playing both U.S. and Canadian national anthems before their home opener against Detroit, the first time the franchise has done so. Local Memphis Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," while the Barenaked Ladies will perform "O Canada." The gesture comes as trade tensions simmer between the two countries, yet many border residents remain neighborly despite government disagreements.
A Historic Moment at the New Stadium
The September 17 game marks the regular-season debut of Highmark Stadium and will broadcast on Prime Video at 8:15 p.m. 10TV The Bills chose two artists to represent both nations—Cravalho for America and Barenaked Ladies for Canada. This dual-anthem performance has never happened before in Bills home games, reflecting the team's commitment to honoring both cultures as neighbors and fans.
OneRepublic Headlines an Elaborate Halftime Show
OneRepublic will take the stage for halftime entertainment, with the stadium planning a special visual element. NewsWest9 Fans arriving early will receive LED bracelets designed to illuminate during the band's performance, creating a coordinated light display. The game will also air on the Buffalo Bills Radio Network, including Rock 95.1 FM in Rochester, ensuring fans across the region can tune in.
A Show of Border Solidarity During Tense Times
The Bills' decision stands out amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions and government friction. WLTX Yet residents on both sides of the border have remained broadly supportive of each other despite political disagreements. The anthem ceremony echoes a recent moment at Buffalo's KeyBank Center, where Sabres hockey fans stepped in to sing "O Canada" after singer Cami Clune's microphone failed—proof that cross-border goodwill runs deep.
Stadium Debut Brings Sports and Learning Together
Beyond game day, Highmark Stadium's opening coincides with new programming. Head Topics A sports-and-STEM educational exhibit is scheduled to launch later in September as part of the broader celebration. The Bills are using their new venue's debut to showcase not just football, but also community connection and binational pride in Western New York.
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