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Bills to Perform Canada’s Anthem at Home Opener Amid Stadium Criticism

The Buffalo Bills will feature the Canadian national anthem before their Week 2 home opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 17, with the Barenaked Ladies and Auliʻi Cravalho performing, as fans continue to protest sightline obstructions at the new Highmark Stadium.

The Buffalo Bills revealed that the Canadian national anthem will be performed by the Barenaked Ladies, while Auliʻi Cravalho will sing the U.S. anthem before the team’s Week 2 home opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 17 at Highmark Stadium. This follows a longstanding practice among Buffalo sports franchises of playing both anthems regardless of opponent. Fans who attended a recent training-camp showcase complained that railings, booths and small video boards obstructed views of the field, especially in the end zones.

Season-ticket holders expressed frustration over promised unobstructed sightlines and high ticket prices, citing specific examples of misleading renderings. In response, the Bills pledged to address the design issues and announced a re-sodding of the grass ahead of the first three home games, emphasizing a commitment to optimal playing conditions.

Why it matters

The anthem ceremony highlights regional tradition while fan backlash over stadium design raises concerns about ticket value and game-day experience.

In this story

canadian anthemhighmark stadiumbills season openerfan complaintssightline obstructionsgrass replacementseason tickets
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