SDCC 2024: SpongeBob SquarePants Turns 25

What do SpongeBob SquarePants and I have in common? It’s our 25th anniversary at Comic-Con. I get to stay in the Hard Rock Hotel; SpongeBob gets to take it over. That’s in addition to the 1,800 square foot booth Nickelodeon will dedicate to him on the convention floor.

Designed to recreate the pilot episode “Help Wanted,” the booth features a variety of interactive experiences — though it’s not all SpongeBob. Nickelodeon remembered they have other shows, too.

Nickelodeon promises the following each day:

• SpongeBob’s Interview Prep Experience
  Help wanted! Step inside SpongeBob’s pineapple home to prepare for the big job interview at The Krusty Krab. Fans will complete exercises in SpongeBob’s weight room to ensure they are in top fry cook shape. Once finished, guests can scan their personal QR code to collect their shareable video file on their device.
• The Krusty Krab Mast Photo Moment
  Ascend from SpongeBob’s pineapple and enter the vibrant world of The Krusty Krab, but watch out for the anchovies! Snap a photo by the iconic Krusty Krab mast just like Mr. Krabs and Squidward in the pilot episode.
• SpongeBob’s Hungry Anchovy Frenzy
  Grab a spatula and step up to the virtual grill to feed those hungry, hungry anchovies!  In this one-of-a-kind digital whack-a-mole game, players have one minute to fling out as many virtual Krabby Patties as possible to feed the hungry lunch crowd. It’s a mad dash to the end of the shift, where players can earn their rightful spot as The Krusty Krab’s newest and greatest fry cook!
• 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.
• Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with voice talent and producers for SpongeBob SquarePants, and Janet Varney and Dante Basco of Avatar: Braving the Elements.
• Costumed Character Appearances: SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.
• Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures and collectibles, t-shirts, pins and more.
• Giveaways:  Special giveaways and posters will be handed out throughout the convention.

Of course there’s a panel:

Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants

Thursday, 7/25/24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Room: Hall H

What’s funnier than 24? 25! Nickelodeon is celebrating SpongeBob SquarePants’ landmark 25th anniversary with a panel that will take fans down to Bikini Bottom and beyond for a special look at its iconic origins, including a live cast table read of “Help Wanted, exclusive content, and the nautical nonsense to come. Join the legendary voice cast Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr.  Lawrence (Plankton), along with executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller and special guests as they celebrate one of the most popular characters and beloved animated series of all time. It’s going to be the Best Day Ever! Moderator: Good Burgers’ Ed (Kel Mitchell).

I mentioned the Hard Rock Hotel take-over. Nickelodeon describes it as:

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.

But that’s not all — across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel near the Omni is the 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.