Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (C) mimics teammate shooting guard Jason Terry (L) by impersonating his 'jet on the runway' gesture as point guard Jason Kidd waves to fans as they ride on a float during a parade to celebrate their NBA championship in Dallas, Texas June 16, 2011. Dallas defeated the Miami Heat to win the 2011 NBA title. REUTERS

HOUSTON, June 16 - Hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans packed downtown streets in the U.S. city of Dallas on Thursday to celebrate the first NBA title for the Dallas Mavericks in the team's 31-year history.

An estimated 250,000 fans, braving scorching sun, waved banners, cheered and danced along the about one-mile-long route during the parade that started at the city's Convention Center and ended outside the American Airlines Center, the Mavericks' Dallas home.

Though the parade officially started at 10 am, hundreds of Mavericks fans arrived at the plaza outside the American Airlines Center as early as 5:30 am, waiting for the moment when their favoured stars appeared on the balcony of the American Airlines Center and made speeches to them.

"That is something. It's exciting. After thirty years. We have waited a very long time," said Carolyn Price, who was born and grew up in Dallas. "I just want to be part of this great event. This is awesome," she said.

In 1979, businessman Don Carter and partner Norm Sonju requested the right to bring an NBA franchise to Dallas, Texas. The team was said to a gift from Carter to his wife.

After 31 years, the team clinched its first NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat 105-95 Sunday. In 2006, the Mavericks announced plans for a victory parade when the team led the Heat 2-0 in the finals, but the Heat came from behind to take the title.

On Thurday, Carter, who sat in a lead car with his wife Linda, described the event as "fantastic". Mark Cuban, owner of the Madericks, said they are trying to get more after this victory.

Standing on the balcony of the American Airlines Center, Dirk Nowitzki, the German who led the Madericks to its first NBA trohpy, led his team and thousands of fans in singing their new favorate song -- "We Are The Champions."

Since their inaugural 1980-81 season, the Mavericks have won three division titles, two conference championships, and finally, the 2011 NBA Championship.