TAMPA, Fla. -- The Division II Pioneer Bowl has been canceled because it lost investors and its promoter failed to meet two payment deadlines.

Orlando-based Jericho Communications Media Group issued a statement Thursday saying it missed two payments of a combined $31,750 to the Tampa Sports Authority and the game's host, Raymond James Stadium.

The Pioneer Bowl was moved to Tampa this year after five years in Atlanta.

The game matches the champions of two historically black conferences, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

SIAC champion Tuskegee and CIAA runner-up Bowie State were set to meet in the sixth-annual game on Dec. 15.

"Moral support and enthusiasm are beneficial, but they are not the type of support that makes an event of this magnitude materialize,'' CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said. "One must have monetary backing and contingency plans.''

"This year's efforts fell short of both.''

After hour calls to Jericho Communications were not answered Friday.

"It is a shame that the group in Tampa couldn't come through on their end,'' Tuskegee coach Rick Comegy said. "The players were really up for this game, and we had already made travel arrangements.''

Denise Berkhalter, Tuskegee director of media affairs, could not comment on the possibility of the game being played if another sponsor was found.