Green and White Day proclaimed in Saskatchewan

Premier Scott Moe and Gainer the Gopher declared Nov. 7 “Green and White Day,” encouraging fans to wear Riders colours before Saturday’s West Final

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Gainer the Gopher have proclaimed Nov. 7 as “Green and White Day” in the province.

The premier and Gainer made the announcement during a news conference Thursday morning.

Moe encouraged those across the province to show off their Rider pride by wearing the team’s colours on Friday.

“Green and White Day is a time to show off our Rider pride and share our love of Canadian football as Rider Nation gets ready for Saturday’s big game. Go Riders!” Moe said in a news release.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Gainer also answered questions from reporters during the announcement. His gestures were interpreted by Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds.

“It is time to paint the province green and white. Gainer’s got his fur brushed up, his jersey ready and he cannot wait to see Rider Nation showing their colours loud and proud,” Gainer said, according to Reynolds.

The proceedings also saw Moe and Gainer raise a Saskatchewan Roughriders flag at the legislature to commemorate the occasion.

The Riders will face off against the B.C. Lions in the West Division final at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8. Kick off is slated for 5:30 p.m. CST.

The Roughriders finished the regular season with a 12-6 record to secure 1st place in CFL West.

The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg on Sunday, Nov. 16 against the winner of the East Division final. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will host the Montreal Alouettes in the East final on Sat., Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. CST.