The RISE and RALLY bowl celebration planned for January 5-7 in Atlantic City to honor Penn State’s seniors is no more.

Last night, organizers put out a press release on the event website citing the Maxwell Club’s decision to recognize the 2012 seniors at the annual Awards Gala in Atlantic City as the main reason behind the decision. Any fans who purchased a ticket package or made a donation will be completely refunded this week.

The full release can be found below:

Dec. 11, 2012

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Despite strong ticket sales and interest from Penn State fans, the Atlantic City trip to celebrate the 2012 football season is being cancelled by the organizers.

RISE and RALLY is giving full refunds this week to everyone who purchased tickets. In addition, all outright donations and gifts are also being returned in full.

A few weeks after RISE and RALLY unveiled plans to celebrate Penn State’s 2012 season, the Maxwell Club announced its intention to recognize the 2012 seniors at its annual Awards Gala in Atlantic City. The Maxwell Club has a rich history and RISE and RALLY does not want to promote any event that could interfere with the Awards Gala. In this economic environment, it is difficult for many fans to attend both events. Holding both events within weeks of each other in the same location didn’t seem appropriate.

The RISE and RALLY group will continue to look for ways to provide unique fan experiences in the future. The group would like to thank the hundreds of fans who bought tickets, donated funds or subscribed to our effort in supporting this senior class.

After the memorable early morning pep rally last July outside Holuba Hall, this will likely not be the last time RISE and RALLY is heard from.