Mar 20, 2008 6:01 PM, PROMO Xtra

Nickelodeon has expanded its pop culture presence from cable TV to a seven-acre theme park in the Mall of America.

Nickelodeon Universe, featuring 18 Nick-themed rides and attractions, opened last weekend with the presence of several Nick celebrities and a special performance from singer Ashlee Simpson.

The Nick Universe rides strike themes around some of the cable network’s hit properties, past and present, including the SongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, the Fairly OddParents Fairly Odd Coaster, the Danny Phantom Ghost Zone and Jimmy Neutron’s Atomic Collider.

Rugrats, Dora the Explorer, Wonder Pets and the Backyardigans are among the other characters represented in the theme park. Costumed characters based on Nick and Nick Jr. properties will also greet visitors to the park, which will feature a “Toddler Tuesday” presenting Nick Jr. events.

A 5,000-square foot Nickelodeon Store will make merchandise based on Nick shows available for sale at the park.

“This represents the perfect marriage of two entertainment entities, Nickelodeon, the number one brand for kids, and Mall of America,” said Howard Smith, executive vice president of recreation, in a statement.

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