Hello kmzizzle -
I did exactly what you did. Made the purchase, received an email that confirmed the purchase but did not really provide any further instructions on where to go/what to do. If memory serves there was a PNR code on there - it's a multi-digit code that you will use as reference to pick up the tickets AND the Roma Pass.
I too emailed the RomaPass people trying to sort out where I had to pick up the pass. It sounded to me that I had to get the Pass first, so I would have the pass to show the Colosseo folks to get the tickets. The response I received from RomaPass was kind, but a cut and paste of the FAQ section from their website, which suggests that you go to a RomaPass TI to pick up the pass.
The morning of our visit, we went to the TI closest to the Colosseum. Arrived to be told that we could NOT pick up the RomaPass at the TI. {This is what the directions from RomaPass said - pick up the pass at the TI - so ignore that if yours says the same). We were to report to the Colosseo "because you bought it through the Colosseo". So we literally ran there, saw the hundreds of people in line and panicked. I put my family in the line, walked up to the attendant near the front and showed her my email, and she put me in a separate line to the same ticket windows. It was the only way humanly possible to make our allotted entry time, but the couple in front of me also had a RomaPass so maybe this is the protocol. There was no signage to know whether this was a kindness because the attendant saw the tears welling and the pure panic, or if this is just how it's done. Probably the latter, but she was super kind.
Long story short - this colosseo entrance was the most stressful aspect of the trip - during planning and on the ground in country - without a close second. It was a nightmare to get the tickets, and I felt like we were on a wing and a prayer to actually collect them. Once in hand, it was slick and super easy.
My advice: go directly to Colosseo and show the attendant manning the line for biglietti your confirmation email. The ticket booth representative pulled the PNR off of the email (on my phone) and pulled up the reserved entry, doled out the passes and on we went.
I did save all emails confirming tickets (and the tickets themselves when I had them) on a file on my phone so a weak signal/no data is irrelevant. I also sent backups to every family member so we had four sets to lose. Worked out great. Only one phone was stolen in Rome!
Enjoy your trip!!
