With the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards mere hours away, everyone here at MTV is working overtime in preparation to make this year's show the best and brightest ever.

Earlier this week, the white carpet crew (a team of about 55) started assembling the soon-to-be star-studded area, built to capture this year's theme, "Hollywood Mansion." Crew members pulled 16-hour shifts during the five days for the five days leading up to the show.

On Saturday, nearly 600 feet of white carpet were rolled out and promptly covered in plastic in order to prevent any unwanted sullying. Staging supervisor Aaron Chawla said he won't be removing it until the last possible minute before the VMA Pre-Show begins.

In the event of any unforeseen spills or stains, Chawla assured us his team has plenty of tools in place for quick fixes, including vacuum cleaners, Resolve, steam cleaners and, if all else fails, props that can be creatively placed over any stubborn markings.

The worst possible substance to come in contact with the white carpet? Chewing gum.

Adam Stewart, production manager for staging and light, agreed that gum is a challenge; he also mentioned colored liquids as potential hazards. He hopes that if celebs bring liquid refreshment along with them for their walk (à la Kanye West's bottle of Hennessy last year, and Diddy's bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue in '06), they at least go with something clear, like gin. Or better yet, water.

Finally, co-staging supervisor Matt Leach issued a warning to all white carpet walkers: Wear sunglasses. He said the combination of the late-afternoon sunlight and the brightness of the rug will pack a punch. Also, women wearing loose-fitting tops or billowy dresses should beware the wind tunnel. Leach said that because of the location and angle of the carpet, which is set between taller buildings around the L.A. Live area of downtown Los Angeles, the frequent, sweeping gusts of wind that come through could result in a few wardrobe.

For those who won't make it to L.A. to see it up close, MTV News is giving away 10 pieces of the VMAs' custom-made white carpet. Visit the MTV News Facebook page for details. Current fans of the page should look for the VMA Giveaway tab for more information, and soon-to-be fans need only click "like" in order to receive the same info. We've been giving away one piece of carpet a day leading up to the show, with the remaining few up for grabs on Sunday.

Tune in tonight for the 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards, broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles! The party starts with MTV News' VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET/PT. You can still vote for Best New Artist at VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if you're a Verizon subscriber).