Nickelodeon brings Bikini Bottom to San Diego to commemorate 25 years of SpongeBob

Have you ever wanted to visit Bikini Bottom? What about living life as SpongeBob Squarepants, and walking your way through the pilot episode of the series? If you’re already hopping around shouting, “I’m ready. I’m ready. I’m ready!” then have we got great news for you: Nickelodeon is honoring the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob with a life-size recreation of the classic episode “Help Wanted” at San Diego Comic-Con.

Located on the con floor at Comic-Con, the 1,800 square foot booth, which is bigger than many New York apartments, will walk fans through the original episode of SpongeBob using AR, 3D animation, and more. That includes iconic locations like the Krusty Krab, Barg’N-Mart, and of course SpongeBob’s pineapple under the sea home.

Not only that, but the booth will have several fun-sounding interactive elements. Like SpongeBob, you can pump iron to get yourself ready for that big job interview at the Krusty Krab. You can feed anchovies Krabby Patties while racing against the clock, no problem for you, a sponge with a can-do attitude. And of course, there are photo opportunities and plenty of exclusive Nick merchandise to buy while there. In addition, there will be costumed character appearances, and cast and producers of both SpongeBob and the Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast will be on hand to sign autographs.

But wait, that’s not all! Nickelodeon will also present two panels at the convention: “Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “Avatar: Braving the Elements – Live! with Janet Varney & Dante Basco.” Both will feature cast and crew from the respective series, as well as special guests, trivia and surprises.

But wait, that’s still not all! If you’re at San Diego for the convention, you can also check out SpongeBob’s Fountain of Positivity outside the Omni Hotel, which spews water from SpongeBob’s pores and allows fans to refill their water bottles. Just what everyone wants, dirty SpongeBob water!

And at the Hard Rock San Diego, Paramount+ and Nick are taking over with SpongeBob memes plastered all over the hotel, and the lobby will be turned into a Bikini Bottom-themed undersea paradise. In addition, Maryjane’s Diner in the hotel will be customized with Easter eggs and SpongeBob decor.

So there you have it: not too bad for a little sponge who wanted to go on a job interview on July 17, 1999. Happy 25th, SpongeBob!