On the same day as the announcement from the White House regarding President Donald Trump signing a presidential memorandum to identify Canadian goods in federal procurement and eliminate them, the Buffalo Bills of the NFL honored their Canadian supporters with a unique cross-border catch event on the Niagara River. This memorandum, signed by Trump on Wednesday, is part of the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. following failed negotiations last month and a recent ban on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles, and other imports into the United States.
The Buffalo Bills are actively engaging with their Canadian fan base ahead of their home opener scheduled for 8 p.m. E.T. at the new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, marking the team’s first regular-season game at the venue. In a social media video posted by the team on Wednesday, former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and retired wide receiver Stevie Johnson were seen making successful passes to each other from different ferries on the Niagara River.
Niagara Parks, responsible for the Canadian side of the Niagara River, announced that the boat-to-boat catches will be featured during the NFL on Prime broadcast of the Buffalo Bills’ first 2026 home game on September 17. The Bills Chief Strategy Officer, Kate Hussmann, expressed excitement about the event, highlighting the strong connection with fans in Southern Ontario and the team’s participation in the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which focuses on international marketing and fan engagement in Canada.
At the upcoming home opener against the Detroit Lions, both the American and Canadian national anthems will be performed, with actress and singer AuliÊ»i Cravalho singing the American anthem and Canadian band Barenaked Ladies performing “O Canada.” The inclusion of the Canadian anthem is a rare occurrence in NFL games but is customary at NHL games in Buffalo, even when the Sabres face American teams. Barenaked Ladies’ rendition of “O Canada” will add a special touch to the Bills’ season opener on September 17, 2026.
