Buffalo Bills Honor Canadian Fanbase with Unique Pre-Game Tradition

The Buffalo Bills will play the Canadian national anthem before their game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, September 17, at their new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. This gesture is part of the team's efforts to recognize its large Canadian fanbase, particularly supporters from Southern Ontario and Toronto, which are less than 100 miles from Buffalo.

The team has a long connection with Canadian fans, making 'O Canada' a deliberate part of the home opener. The Bills have been working to grow their reach across Southern Ontario, where many fans regularly travel to Buffalo for games.

Bills chief operating officer Pete Guelli said Canadian residents make up an average of 10% to 15% of the team's Season Ticket Member base. 'Having a world class city and one of North America's largest less than 100 miles from Buffalo, it's significant, not only for the Bills, but for the entire National Football League,' Guelli said.

The Bills also joined the NFL's Global Markets Program for Canada and expanded their radio network into Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The team has also partnered with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to build stronger links in the region.

Barenaked Ladies, a Canadian rock band, will perform 'O Canada' before the game. The band was formed in Scarborough, Ontario, in 1988 and became widely known in both Canada and the United States. Their best-known songs include 'One Week,' 'Pinch Me,' 'The Old Apartment,' and 'If I Had $1,000,000.' The band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018 and has received Grammy nominations.

This is not the first time Barenaked Ladies has performed at a Bills game. The band previously performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before Buffalo played the New York Jets at Toronto's Rogers Centre in 2009.

Auliʻi Cravalho, best known for providing the voice of Moana in Disney's animated film 'Moana' and reprising the role in 'Moana 2,' will follow Barenaked Ladies with 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

The Bills have included both national anthems at home events before. Under former owner Ralph Wilson, the team held Canadian fan appreciation games in Orchard Park that featured both anthems.

The team also has a deeper history in Canada. From 2008 through 2013, Buffalo played six regular-season games and two preseason games at Toronto's Rogers Centre as part of the Bills Toronto Series. The team and Rogers Communications ended the series in 2014.

The Bills' decision to play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions is a testament to the team's commitment to its Canadian fanbase. By recognizing the significant contribution of Canadian fans to the team's success, the Bills are building stronger relationships with their supporters and creating a unique pre-game tradition.

The NFL's Global Markets Program for Canada has been instrumental in helping the Bills grow their reach across the country. By partnering with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the team has been able to tap into the Canadian market and build a loyal fanbase.

The Bills' connection with Canadian fans is not limited to their fanbase. The team has also been working to grow its brand in Canada through various marketing initiatives. By partnering with Canadian businesses and organizations, the Bills are able to reach a wider audience and build a stronger presence in the country.

The team's decision to play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions is also a nod to the country's rich musical heritage. Barenaked Ladies, the Canadian rock band performing 'O Canada,' has been a major part of Canada's music scene for decades. Their performance will add to the excitement and energy of the game, making it a truly unique and memorable experience for fans.

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The Bills' commitment to their Canadian fanbase is a testament to the team's dedication to building strong relationships with their supporters. By recognizing the significant contribution of Canadian fans to the team's success, the Bills are creating a unique pre-game tradition that will be remembered for years to come.

The team's decision to play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions is also a reflection of the growing importance of the Canadian market in the NFL. With the league's Global Markets Program for Canada, the Bills are able to tap into the Canadian market and build a loyal fanbase. This is a trend that is likely to continue in the future, as the NFL continues to expand its reach across the country.

The Bills' connection with Canadian fans is not limited to their fanbase. The team has also been working to grow its brand in Canada through various marketing initiatives. By partnering with Canadian businesses and organizations, the Bills are able to reach a wider audience and build a stronger presence in the country.

The team's decision to play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions is also a nod to the country's rich cultural heritage. The performance of 'O Canada' will add to the excitement and energy of the game, making it a truly unique and memorable experience for fans.

• The Buffalo Bills will play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions on September 17.
• Barenaked Ladies will perform 'O Canada' before the game.
• Auliʻi Cravalho will sing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' after Barenaked Ladies.

The Bills' commitment to their Canadian fanbase is a testament to the team's dedication to building strong relationships with their supporters. By recognizing the significant contribution of Canadian fans to the team's success, the Bills are creating a unique pre-game tradition that will be remembered for years to come.

The team's decision to play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions is also a reflection of the growing importance of the Canadian market in the NFL. With the league's Global Markets Program for Canada, the Bills are able to tap into the Canadian market and build a loyal fanbase. This is a trend that is likely to continue in the future, as the NFL continues to expand its reach across the country.

The Bills' connection with Canadian fans is not limited to their fanbase. The team has also been working to grow its brand in Canada through various marketing initiatives. By partnering with Canadian businesses and organizations, the Bills are able to reach a wider audience and build a stronger presence in the country.

The team's decision to play 'O Canada' before their game against the Detroit Lions is also a nod to the country's rich cultural heritage. The performance of 'O Canada' will add to the excitement and energy of the game, making it a truly unique and memorable experience for fans.