As reported by The Wrap, Nickelodeon will be celebrating 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants at San Diego Comic-Con in a big way. You’ll find them with a massive 1,800 square foot booth on the show floor, which will immerse fans in the world o Bikini Bottom through a creative tribute to the show’s first episode, “Help Wanted.”
Utilizing 3D animation and augmented reality, visitors will step directly into iconic settings like SpongeBob’s pineapple house, the Krusty Krab, and Barg’N-Mart. The booth features several interactive experiences, including a slow-motion video setup inside SpongeBob’s home where fans can mimic lifting weights, a photogenic moment inside the Krusty Krab, and a game where participants help feed a frenzy of anchovies. There will also be costumed character appearances, giveaways and posters handed out, and autograph signings (including voice talent and producers for SpongeBob SquarePants, and Janet Varney and Dante Basco of Avatar: Braving the Elements).
There will also be a customized t-shirt and flip flop station, in which 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.
Additionally, Nickelodeon will host two major panels at the convention. The first, “Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’,” moderated by Kel Mitchell, will include discussions with voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), and other key cast members along with executive producers on Thursday at 1pm in Hall H. Another panel, “Avatar: Braving the Elements — Live!” will feature Janet Varney and Dante Basco along with other special guests, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere, is set for Thursday at 10:30am in Room 6BCF. These panels offer fans unique insights into the creative process behind these beloved series and their continued impact on pop culture.
Outside of the convention center, you’ll find them with the Fountain of Positivity, where fans can beat the heat with the 12 foot tall and 16 foot wide fountain, which will stream water from SpongeBob’s pores. Comic-Con attendees can refill their water bottles at filtered water stations built into the experience, Thursday through Saturday from 9:30am-7pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm, outside the Omni Hotel.
At the Hard Rock Hotel, they will take over with a Paramount+ and Nickelodeon activation paying tribute to SpongeBob’s legendary cultural impact. The hotel lobby will be transformed into a modern art mecca with a Bikini Bottom twist, featuring artists from around the world.
The on-site restaurant, Maryjane’s, will also celebrate SpongeBob with custom decor and Easter eggs throughout.
