Mary Doerle, 54, of New Iberia has loved the New Orleans Saints as long as she can remember and has fond memories of watching the games with her dad Harold Doerle when she was growing up.

She has spent many seasons watching “her team” play, done a fair share of yelling at the television set and wishing out loud that this year just might be the year.

She was also the lucky recipient of a game ball in 2002 thrown into the stands by former quarterback Aaron Brooks, definitely a highlight in her life, she said.

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The most recent testament of Doerle’s love and support for the Saints is the creation of her “503.”

The door of Doerle’s garage on Windmill Circle looks normal from the outside. But inside her garage — the 503 —, one enters into a wonderland of Saints decorations and memorabilia, evidence of one die-hard fan and collector.

The name of the room was inspired by the time it takes her to arrive home from work, kick back in front of the television, pop open a cold one and settle in, usually around 5:03 p.m. She spends her days working at her brother, Dan Doerle’s air conditioning and heating business in town.

“This is my place to chill out,” she said. “And, it’s just the perfect room.”

Doerle has jerseys framed, Saints-themed Christmas lights and a miniature tree, pictures, posters, glasses, umbrellas and just about everything you could imagine that someone would think to plaster the team’s name or logo across. Also in the 503 are a few Louisiana State University items. But, the fighting Tigers come second in Doerle’s book.

The 503 is often full of people on game days, Doerle said. It is the place where friends and family converge to cheer on the team, all wishing out loud, and loudly, that this year just might be the year.

Doerle’s friend Karen Bertelsmark of New Iberia, helped decorate the space and can usually be found at the 503 taking part in the festivities.

“It’s kind of a tradition,” Bertelsmark said. “We’ve  been knowing each other for 25 years. We’ve always gotten together for the games, and we cook a good meal and have a few drinks.”

Bertelsmark shares her friend’s enthusiasm that this might be the season the Saints take it all the way to the Super Bowl in Miami.

“We’ve been waiting a long time, saying it a long time,” Bertelsmark said. “But, at least this year it’s possible.”

Doerle has never lost hope that the Saints would one day make it all the way, she said.

“No matter what, they are No. 1 in my book,” she said. “I hope this is the year because I don’t know how many more I’ll be around and it’s surely something I want to see and be a part of.”

During commercials, those that watch the game in the 503 dance with Saints umbrellas to Saints-themed music. It is as festive as you would imagine, she said.

“We like to just have a good time,” Doerle said. “You never know what tomorrow brings.”

If the Saints do make it to Miami this season, Doerle said there will be a big party in the 503.

“When the 2010 calendars come out, I’m going to mark it on my boss’ calendar because I will surely need the next day off,” she said.