The man who first brought Gainer the Gopher to life is sharing his remarkable experiences wearing the iconic Saskatchewan Roughriders mascot costume, including the unforgettable aroma that came with the territory.
The Birth of a CFL Icon
The original performer behind Gainer the Gopher recently opened up about his time entertaining fans while donning what he describes as a particularly stinky suit. As the beloved mascot for the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders, Gainer became an instant fan favorite, but the reality of wearing the costume presented unique challenges that fans never saw from the stands.
In an exclusive reflection published on November 13, 2025, the pioneering mascot performer recounted the joy of connecting with Roughriders supporters across the province and beyond. Despite the less-than-pleasant odor that developed within the costume during long game days and community events, the experience created lasting memories for both the performer and the countless fans he entertained.
Behind the Mask: Fan Interactions and Fun Memories
The original Gainer performer emphasized the incredible energy of Saskatchewan Roughriders fans as the driving force behind his enthusiasm for the role. From high-fiving children in the stands to leading cheers during crucial CFL moments, the mascot became an integral part of the game day experience at Mosaic Stadium.
He described the unique perspective of watching games from within the gopher costume, where the roar of the crowd took on a different dimension and the connection with loyal Roughriders supporters felt particularly intimate. The fun of surprising fans and creating spontaneous moments of joy outweighed the discomfort of the increasingly pungent suit as games progressed.
The Legacy Continues
Though his time as Gainer has concluded, the original performer takes pride in knowing he helped establish traditions that continue to this day. The mascot has become synonymous with Saskatchewan Roughriders football, appearing at countless community events, charity functions, and of course, every home game.
The reflection comes as the Regina community demonstrates its enduring passion for the CFL team, with residents of the Regina Renaissance Retirement Home recently showing their Grey Cup readiness. The original Gainer's stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of what would become one of the CFL's most recognizable mascots.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders organization has maintained Gainer the Gopher as a central figure in their brand identity, with the costume undergoing numerous updates and improvements over the years. Still, the original performer's experiences highlight the humble beginnings and genuine fan connections that made the character so beloved from the start.
