The Story Behind Plunger Ball
The genesis – and true history – behind Plunger Ball is a bit fuzzy since it was "invented" in the mid 1970's (possibly 1975 or 1976) in Bozeman, MT. It all began in a basement apartment just off of the Montana State University campus.
It started with a plugged toilet that overflowed onto the linoleum floor of the bathroom and down a long, narrow hallway. After plunging the toilet to get it cleared and then mopping the floor several MSU students (possibly including Rich Deming, John Schipf, and other hooligans) decided it would be a good idea to toss the plunger to one another down the hallway. The ceiling was only about 7’ high so it required the plunger to be tossed at a low trajectory. After flipping – and then sticking – the plunger, an idea surfaced to make a target on the floor. Electrical tape seemed to be the answer, so it was placed on the floor in a square with just barely enough room for the plunger head to fit in if perfectly placed.
This then resulted in some gamesmanship and sketchy rules were developed, which continued to morph into the rules of today. After much discussion and numerous adult beverages, we needed to come up with a name for this silly game. Plunger Ball was suggested but "there is no ball in Plunger Ball" was the comment and argument against it. However, creativity was not a strong suit of this group of college students, so Plunger Ball was ultimately decided upon.
Now, almost 50 years later, Rich Deming (Plunger 1) and John Schipf (Plunger 2) have decided to market the game to the public. The game has a beautiful simplicity to it yet can be confoundingly difficult. The game can be played indoors or outdoors and by all ages.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Plunger Ball!
About Plunger Ball in Bozeman, Montana
Built by a Love for Games and Outdoor Competition.
You don't settle for ordinary when it comes to party games, and neither do we. Plunger Ball was founded in Bozeman, Montana with one goal in mind: to create a yard game that makes you laugh, compete, and talk about it long after the event ends.
We took inspiration from classic toss games and redesigned the entire experience around a plunger-based scoring system that adds challenge, surprise, and serious entertainment value to any gathering.
Our approach is simple—build games that last, ship them reliably nationwide, and communicate clearly every step of the way so your event goes off without a hitch.

Discover what makes Plunger Ball a standout addition to weddings, corporate events, and backyard competitions across the country.
Connected to the Outdoors and Built for the Long Haul
Bozeman is a place where the mountains meet open skies and people know the value of gear that performs under pressure. That mindset shaped how we designed Plunger Ball—durable enough for repeated play, portable enough to travel with you, and entertaining enough to keep guests coming back round after round.
From the crisp mountain air to the community gatherings that fill our summers, Bozeman taught us that great games bring people together. We wanted to capture that energy and send it nationwide, so you can experience the same competitive fun whether you're hosting in Montana or Maine.
We're proud to support events across the country, helping hosts create interactive moments that guests won't forget.
Let us bring the fun to your next gathering.
Where Strategy, Laughter, and Competition Collide
Our team is committed to making your rental experience as smooth as the game itself. We know timing matters, logistics can be tricky, and communication makes all the difference. That's why we stay responsive, keep rental terms clear, and deliver reliably no matter where you are.
Backed by a team that responds quickly and works with you on event size, format, and delivery timing
Ready to level up your event? Contact us to discuss your event details, delivery options, and how Plunger Ball can turn your next gathering into something unforgettable. We're here to make it easy.