Buffalo Bills play Canadian and American anthems before upcoming home game

The Buffalo Bills will play both the Canadian and American national anthems during their upcoming home game next Thursday night. The NFL team scheduled the dual performance to welcome neighbors from Canada before their matchup against the Lions. While the decision occurs amid ongoing trade tensions between the respective governments, the team characterized the gesture as an effort to acknowledge the longstanding proximity of the two nations. This marks the first time the franchise has performed the Canadian anthem at a home game. The game is scheduled to take place at the new stadium facility in the Buffalo area. The organization announced the decision to highlight the neighborly relationship between the two countries despite international political friction.

• 6:03 PMYahoo Sports — Bills to celebrate both American, Canadian anthems before regular-season debut of new Highmark Stadium in Week 2
• 4:38 PMYahoo Sports — For the first time, Bills will play Canadian and American anthems before a home game