Nickelodeon is commemorating 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants with an immersive larger-than-life tribute to the original pilot episode, that sparked the global pop culture phenomenon, at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2024. Its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention center floor will re-create and transport fans into the “Help Wanted” episode with 3D-animation, augmented reality (AR) and replicas of SpongeBob’s pineapple home, The Krusty Krab and the Barg’N-Mart.
“I’m ready. I’m ready. I’m ready!” – SpongeBob SquarePants (pilot episode, 1999)
Every day of the convention, Nickelodeon’s booth will feature: a slow-motion video opportunity inside SpongeBob’s 20-foot-tall pineapple home, where attendees will virtually pump weights to prepare for the big job interview; a photo opportunity on The Krusty Krab Mast; an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where fans can virtually feed hungry anchovies in a race against the clock; a Barg’N-Mart retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick gear and one-of-a-kind collectibles; costumed character appearances; and autograph signings with the cast and producers of SpongeBob SquarePants, and hosts of Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast.
Nickelodeon will present two panels during the convention: “Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants,” a panel that will take fans down to Bikini Bottom and beyond; and “Avatar: Braving the Elements – Live! with Janet Varney & Dante Basco,” where attendees will jump into the Avatarverse.
- Avatar: Braving the Elements – Live! with Janet Varney & Dante Basco
- Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants
- SpongeBob’s Interview Prep Experience
- The Krusty Krab Mast Photo Moment
- SpongeBob’s Hungry Anchovy Frenzy
- Customized T-Shirt and Flip-Flop Station
Fans can purchase a t-shirt and flip-flops from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of 10 fan-favorite Nick shows: Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Hey Arnold!, The Wild Thornberrys, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, Danny Phantom, The Fairly OddParents and Invader Zim.
Visitors to the booth can also expect autograph signings, character appearances, and giveaways throughout the convention.
- Fountain of Positivity:
Fans can beat the San Diego heat at Paramount+ and Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob Fountain of Positivity.” Standing at 12 ft. tall and 16 ft. wide, this one-of-a-kind fountain streams water from SpongeBob’s pores, paying homage to the tide pool that inspired Stephen Hillenburg to create SpongeBob SquarePants. Comic-Con goers can refill their water bottles at filtered water stations built into the experience and snap a picture. Hours of operation: Thursday, July 25 through Saturday, July 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Omni Hotel at 675 L St, San Diego, CA 92101
- Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Takeover:
Paramount+ and Nickelodeon are taking over Hard Rock Hotel San Diego with activations that ode to SpongeBob’s legendary cultural impact. Classic SpongeBob memes that pay tribute to the San Diego Comic-Con experience will cover the hotel’s exterior, while the interior hotel lobby will be transformed into a modern art mecca with a Bikini Bottom bent. This Instagram-able installation will feature the work of artists from around the world who have been inspired by SpongeBob’s boundless positivity. The hotel’s Maryjane’s Diner will also celebrate SpongeBob’s anniversary with custom decor and comedic Easter eggs throughout the experience.
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