The Rookie Lot was a five-piece Long Island-based band that formed in January of 1998. The band's sound derived from earlier New Jersey and Long Island based melodic hardcore and emo bands, such as Lifetime.

Garrett Tierney grew up around the block from Jesse Lacey in their hometown of Levittown, New York. Garrett, a bass player, introduced Jesse to Brandon Reilly. Jesse and Brandon became friends right away and wanted to be in a band together.

Brandon knew a drummer named Brian Lane, and with their good friend Alex Dunne added to the band, The Rookie Lot was formed.The band released a demo as well as a split 7" (limited to 1000 copies) with Yearly, which included Eben D'Amico from Saves the Day as well as Scottie Redix and Peter Toh from The Stryder.

After The Rookie Lot disbanded, Jesse, Garrett, and Brian formed Brand New, while Brandon went on to play in The Movielife and Nightmare of You. Alex joined Crime in Stereo.